With Mbappe’s departure, Ligue 1 is facing a series of challenges, but the loss to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) seems less severe.
In terms of broadcasting revenue, PSG has indeed seen a decrease. In July, the French Professional Football League (LFP) reached a new broadcasting agreement with media groups DAZN and beIN Sports. According to the agreement, DAZN will pay €400 million to broadcast eight matches per round, while beIN Sports will pay €100 million for one marquee match. This price represents a drop of about 20% compared to last season and is the lowest payment for domestic broadcasting rights in nearly two decades in France.
Joseph Oughourlian, president of Reims, pointed out: “Ligue 1 clubs have never received such low revenues from broadcasting rights.” He added that Reims’ broadcasting income for this season is expected to be only around €9 million.
According to media reports, the financial situation of the entire league has been affected, with many clubs struggling to invest in new players in the transfer market. PSG has also been impacted, with their broadcasting rights income reduced to €22 million, down €20 million from last season, which is comparable to what the 13th-ranked club in Ligue 1 received last season.
Despite the pressure from the decline in broadcasting rights revenue, PSG has performed well without Mbappe. In the match played in the early hours of August 24, they defeated Montpellier 6-0, following their 4-1 victory over Le Havre in the opening game, achieving another significant win. In the first two rounds, PSG scored a total of 10 goals.
Paris Saint-Germain’s profits for 2023 are expected to drop from record highs to around €300 million. However, due to parting ways with Mbappe, the club will save approximately €200 million, including the forward’s annual salary of up to €72 million plus related bonuses.
Notably, ticket sales remain stable even without Mbappe. In the first home game of the season against Montpellier at the Parc des Princes, the stadium was full, just as it was for most games last season. The club’s large fan base continues to support the team, and this support has not diminished due to the absence of a superstar.
It is reported that among the 36,000 fans who purchased season tickets last season, 98% continue to support PSG this season, indicating that the love for the team has not diminished due to the loss of some top stars.