French football is gearing up for a significant shift in how fans will watch the top flight. With the new Ligue 1 season rapidly approaching, the league`s governing body, the LFP, is busy finalizing the foundational elements of its ambitious new in-house streaming channel. This venture marks a bold step for the league, turning the tables from selling broadcast rights to becoming a broadcaster itself. And to make this new platform shine, they are reportedly looking to add some serious star power and analytical depth by bringing French football legends into the fold.
As the August 15th kick-off date looms, LFP Media, the commercial entity driving this project, is piecing together its on-screen team. Supported by production experts Mediawan, the operation is taking shape. The name of this new channel remains under wraps for now, with an official reveal expected imminently at a press conference.
Building the Core Team
The lineup already features some familiar and respected voices from French sports broadcasting. Xavier Domergue, an experienced commentator known for his work on M6`s international football coverage, is set to be a lead voice – a priority signing for LFP president Nicolas de Tavernost. He will be joined by Thibault Le Rol, who previously presented Prime Video`s Ligue 1 coverage, and Marina Lorenzo, set to return to host the main magazine show after a similar role during the Amazon era. Smaïl Bouabdellah, recognized from his time with TF1 and DAZN, is also reportedly in advanced discussions to join the team. The platform is clearly aiming for continuity and familiarity with its core presentation.
The Hunt for Punditry Pedigree
Beyond commentators and presenters, a crucial element for any sports broadcast is insightful analysis from those who know the game inside out. Former players Benoît Cheyrou and Johan Djourou are names being considered for punditry roles, offering perspectives forged on the pitch.
However, the real headlines are generated by the pursuit of two of French football`s most celebrated recent figures: Franck Ribéry and Samir Nasri. The LFP is reportedly in discussions with both players for potentially prominent roles.
Ribéry: From Wing Wizard to Touchline Insight?
Franck Ribéry, the dynamic former Bayern Munich and Marseille winger, is being eyed for a potential touchline role. This would involve engaging with players and coaches before matches and after the final whistle, providing immediate reactions and insights directly from the heart of the action. While legendary touchline reporter Laurent Paganelli reportedly declined a similar offer out of loyalty to Canal+, Ribéry is said to be giving the proposal careful consideration. It`s an interesting potential pivot for the former FFF golden boy, trading the intensity of the pitch for the immediacy of the sideline.
Nasri: The Sought-After Studio Analyst
Perhaps the most significant target is Samir Nasri. The former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder has garnered considerable praise for his work as a football analyst since 2021, particularly with Canal+. With his contract reportedly expiring, the LFP sees a golden opportunity. They view Nasri as a potential flagship figure for their new channel – someone with sharp analytical skills and a recognizable profile capable of drawing in coaches and players for engaging studio discussions. The ambition appears to be positioning him as a central figure, much like Thierry Henry`s successful stint providing analysis on Amazon`s previous Ligue 1 coverage.
Interestingly, Canal+ is also reportedly keen to retain Nasri`s services, setting up a potential tussle for the sought-after analyst. The LFP, however, is clearly aiming to make him the face of their new product, banking on his insight and personality to attract viewers to their untested platform.
The Stakes
Launching an in-house channel is a substantial undertaking for the LFP. Its success will hinge not only on technical delivery but also on the quality of its presentation and analysis. Securing high-profile, respected, and articulate figures like Samir Nasri and potentially Franck Ribéry is a clear strategy to immediately lend credibility and appeal to the new broadcast venture, encouraging fans to follow Ligue 1 onto a new digital home.
As the season draws nearer and the official channel name announcement approaches, the picture of how Ligue 1 will be presented to the world is rapidly becoming clearer. The assembly of the on-screen team, particularly the pursuit of French football icons, signals the LFP`s determination to make its broadcast gamble a compelling watch.
