"TV broadcasting remains the cornerstone for the economic development of a sport" (F. Houzot, beIN)

"Some leagues are now developing on digital, but TV broadcasting remains the cornerstone for the economic development of a sport. Today, thanks to this relationship between beIN Sports and the LNH, there is football, rugby and handball on pay-TV in France," said Florent Houzot, director of programmes and broadcasting at beIN Sports France, to News Tank Football on 09/11/2021, following the announcement of the extension of the broadcasting rights by beIN Sports of the Liqui Moly StarLigue until 2025-26.

"There are always discussions with the rights holders. What is interesting is that there are many who want to be broadcast on beIN Sports. We have a dynamic, modern and premium image. But we can't broadcast everything and especially not at any price and under any conditions. Some people have also made the choice at some point to join other broadcasters," said Houzot who joined beIN Sports when it was launched in France in 2012.

"It's obviously a shame not to have Ligue 1 on beIN Sports anymore but, again, it's linked to having reasoned investments and wanting to be involved in the long…