Eurosport looking into Ligue 1 international rights

Following the announcement that Eurosport is interested in obtaining international rights to the German Bundesliga division, recent news suggests the broadcasting company now has its eye on France's Ligue 1.

The rights will grant broadcasting access outside of France and are being issued by Canal Plus Events, following a deal which granted to the company the rights for an eight-year term. Although Eurosport had originally placed a bid on the rights, it was not accepted.

Vice-Chairman Jacque Raynaud confirmed with Sportcal that Europe's top five leagues offer potential, which includes Bundesliga and Ligue 1. Raynaud speculates that it will be quite a struggle to gain international broadcast rights to the Bundesliga, due to the opposition's comparable interest in the league.

According to Raynaud, Eurosport has already reached the discussion stage with German football league (DFL), regarding the possibility of acquiring rights to broadcast the Bundesliga outside Germany, beginning next year. Eurosport currently holds rights in two countries for England's FA Premier League.

Eurosport has reportedly expressed interest in purchasing the Bundesliga rights for close to EUR 20 million. The DFL, which is working towards its own agency, expect their value to rise approximately EUR 10 million per year over the next two seasons, making it a great investment for any broadcasting company. The DFL has been seeking broadcast deals in Europe and Asia, which they could gain through Eurosport.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.