Rugby: Canal+ obtains the exclusive TV rights for the Top 14 (2019-2023) for €388m

The French media organisation Canal+ has acquired the exclusive TV rights for the Top 14 for the 2019-2023 period from the LNR (French national rugby league) for €388m on 12/05/2016. The pay-TV group is entitled to four free broadcasting packages and the rights to broadcast all regular season matches including playoffs, semi-finals and the final, all with paid access as well as magazines dedicated to the Top 14 for four years, for €97m per season (up 31%).

"We have been a partner of the Top 14 for over 30 years and already are a copyright holder of this competition until 2019, Canal+ is proud to have won the last the National Rugby League tender. The popularity of rugby has continued to rise in recent years, driven by strong values. Furthermore, Rugby is the second most popular sport in our country (France)," announced Canal+ on 12/05/2016.

The previous agreement between the LNR and Canal+ was reached less than 16 months earlier, on 20/01/2015, totalling €296m over the 2015-2019 period, or €74m per season.

During each matchday (2019-2023), four games will be broadcast, including…