TF1 is making a significant shift in its sports programming by announcing the end of Téléfoot in its current form, effective at the start of the next season. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to refresh its schedule and attract younger viewers, aligning with evolving viewing habits.
Téléfoot, which has been a staple of French sports broadcasting since its launch in September 1977, will conclude its current format with its final edition scheduled for 14 June. The show has seen average audiences of around 800,000, with a notable drop to 679,000 viewers on Sunday, 22 March.
In place of Téléfoot, TF1 plans to introduce a new Sunday morning multisport show. This program is expected to leverage the right to news, allowing the network to feature up to 90 seconds of highlights per competition without incurring additional rights fees. This strategic move aims to enhance viewer engagement while reducing costs associated with sports broadcasting.
As part of this transition, TF1 intends to terminate its Ligue 1 clip deal, which has been valued at one million euros per year, by utilizing a break clause after two seasons. This decision underscores the network’s commitment to reassessing its financial commitments in sports broadcasting.
Despite the changes, the Téléfoot brand will continue to exist digitally on TF1+, although the specifics of its new format are yet to be defined. TF1+ has seen considerable growth since its launch in January 2024, boasting 38 million monthly users, indicating a strong interest in digital sports content.
While TF1 did not secure broadcasting rights for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups, it retains rights for France matches outside of World Cups until 2028, as well as the next Euro. The new focus will shift towards rugby and basketball, including coverage of the Nations Championship in 2026 and 2028, along with nine Six Nations games in 2026.
This shake-up in programming reflects TF1’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the changing landscape of sports media and viewer preferences. As the network moves forward, details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact nature of the new show and how it will integrate with existing digital platforms.
