Khaberni - French media confirmed that the beIN Sports network has succeeded in overturning the balance of the sports broadcasting rights market in France.
"L'Équipe" newspaper reported that the network succeeded in winning the broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup, including the possibility of obtaining rights for the 2030 edition, surpassing its competitor, the French Football League, which believed it had secured the deal.
The French League had reached an agreement with FIFA to secure the paid broadcasting rights for all 104 matches of the tournament for about 20 million euros, including 17 million for broadcasting rights and 2.5 million for production costs. However, beIN Sports' move came as a surprise to the market and strongly asserted itself in the deal.
According to sources, Yousef Al-Abdali, the head of beIN Sports France responsible for the deal, alongside Nasser Al-Khelaifi, CEO of the beIN Media Group, saw this as a direct threat from Ligue 1+ and were keen to prevent the network from being surpassed in these important rights.
Winning the World Cup broadcasting rights is a strategic step for beIN Sports, as it enhances its position in the sports broadcasting market and ensures wide audience reach in France and the Middle East and North Africa region, positioning it as a leader in transmitting the world's biggest tournaments.
