The French Professional Football League (LFP) and beIN SPORTS, who are in charge of the distribution of the LFP audio-visual rights internationally, is pleased to announce a major new deal for the broadcast rights of Ligue 1 Conforama in China.
Thanks to this 4-season deal (2017/2018 to 2020/2021), Ligue 1 Conforama will be broadcast on CCTV Sports ChannelCCTV5, the dedicated sports channel of national state broadcaster CCTV, and will then be accessible to more than 1 billion people in China.
From 2018/2019, two matches per round will be broadcast live on CCTV group of sports channels and services: CCTV5, CCTV5+, Feng Yun HD, CCTV5 app and CNTV. The magazines « Ligue 1 Show » and « Ligue 1 Highlights » will also be aired in full. Moreover Ligue 1 Conforama highlights will be part of CCTV most popular football shows “Total Soccer” and “Champion’s Euro“.
It is already agreed that CCTV will start broadcasting the best Ligue 1 Conforama games from the end of 2017/2018 season.
In addition, 2018 edition of Trophée des Champions, which will take place in Shenzhen on August 4, will be aired live on CCTV5.
Yousef Al-Obaidly, Deputy CEO of beIN MEDIA GROUP
Since 2014, beIN SPORTS, official broadcaster of Ligue 1 Conforama in a number of countries, has been working to commercialise professional French football internationally, increasing its popularity and visibility to a global audience. As a partner of the LFP since our creation, we are delighted by this new deal in China that will allow viewers to Ligue 1 Conforama, which now includes some of the biggest stars in world football.
Didier Quillot, LFP CEO
« We are delighted to partner with the biggest Chinese media Group over the next three seasons. Thanks to this agreement, Ligue 1 Conforama will benefit from a maximal exposure in China. One year after the opening of our Chinese office, this is a major step forward and highlights the increasing attractiveness of Ligue 1 Conforama abroad. »
Fang Gang, Head of CCTV Sports
« With the 2018 FIFA World Cup approaching, the coverage of the Ligue 1 on CCTV Sports takes on a special significance. The recent measures taken by LFP have made the league more competitive and more entertaining to watch. The French national team is also a big favorite in this year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia. It is our wish to carry out sincere and friendly cooperation with Ligue 1 Conforama major professional sport leagues, and bring more high-end football matches to a wide Chinese audience. »