Top 14 (rugby): Canal+ extends broadcasting rights in France (2023-2027) for €113.6m per year (+17%)

"At the end of the call for tenders launched on 21/01/2021, the steering committee of the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (French National Rugby League) today awarded the Top 14 audiovisual rights for the 2023-24 to 2026-27 seasons. In accordance with the rules of the call for tenders, Canal+ has obtained the three lots offered and will thus have exclusive broadcasting rights (live and near-live) for the Top 14 matches as well as for the magazines dedicated to the Top 14," announced the LNR on 02/03/2021.

"The total cost of the rights amounts to €454.4m over four years, or an average amount of €113.6m per season, an increase of 17% compared with the current value of the rights (€97m over the 2019-2023 cycle)," said the French league.

Canal+, the historic broadcaster of the French rugby championship for over 35 years, is thus paying more than the overall reserve price, which had been set at €105m by the LNR. Three candidates took part in the tender, including L'Équipe group, according to the French sports daily of the same name.

"By awarding the three lots, the Ligue Nationale de Rugby is…