DAZN and Disney+ have snapped up the broadcasting rights for Spanish La Liga matches in France, replacing BeIN Sports, the tournament's official broadcaster since 2012, from this season and for the next three seasons.
"Foot Mercato" called the news a shock to the French media landscape.
Javier Tebas, president of the Spanish La Liga, justified the move by pointing to his desire to improve viewership figures and widen the reach of his product.
He added: "After many years of complete satisfaction with BeIN Sports, we needed a change. This change will come with Disney+ and DAZN. Both providers will offer all the matches of every round, meaning they will offer the same product."
He continued: "Fans will be able to choose the platform they wish to subscribe to. I believe this is a great advantage for French and Spanish football supporters. These are two different platforms: one is specialised in sport, while Disney+ is not limited to sporting content alone."
He pointed out: "In our view, they will complement each other excellently in France. These are two new and innovative platforms that will allow the public to follow our competitions. We hope we have made the right decision, that we reach as many fans as possible, and that we allow them to choose the platform they prefer."
BeIN Sports fired back at the decision, according to the French website: "Running a television channel is not like the transfer market, where you gain or lose players to another club. It is a matter of sound economics, and an understanding of our audience and their viewing habits."
The network went on: "We have the necessary rights, at the right price, and with the right partners. We had exceptional coverage of the 2026 World Cup, and there are other important rights on the way. We have a long-term business plan and a solid partnership with the Canal+ channel."
It concluded: "The Spanish La Liga has now chosen to split its rights between two channels. One of them has already failed after just one season with the French league. The other is still completely absent from the French market."