In a significant shift for sports broadcasting, TF1 has announced that it will end the long-running Téléfoot program in its current format at the start of the next season. This change will introduce a new Sunday morning multisport show, aiming to refresh the network’s offerings and attract a younger audience.
Téléfoot, which has been a staple of French sports television since its launch in September 1977, will air its final edition for this season on June 14. The decision comes as TF1 seeks to adapt to evolving viewer habits and preferences, particularly among younger demographics.
Recent audience figures indicate that Téléfoot has been averaging around 800,000 viewers, with a notable drop to 679,000 on Sunday, March 22. This decline in viewership has likely contributed to TF1’s decision to revamp its sports programming.
While the Téléfoot brand will continue to exist digitally on TF1+, the specifics of its new format are still to be determined. TF1+ has seen impressive growth since its launch in January 2024, now boasting 38 million monthly users.
As part of this transition, TF1 plans to utilize a break clause to end its Ligue 1 clip deal, which was valued at one million euros per year, after just two seasons. The network aims to pivot towards a new format that can leverage the right to news, allowing them to showcase up to 90 seconds of competition footage without incurring additional rights fees.
The new Sunday morning show is expected to focus on a variety of sports, including rugby and basketball, with coverage of significant events such as the Nations Championship in 2026 and 2028, as well as nine matches from the 2026 Six Nations.
Despite not securing broadcasting rights for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups, TF1 will continue to air France matches outside of World Cup years until 2028 and the next Euro. This strategic shift underscores TF1’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the sports broadcasting arena.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact format and content of the new show, but the network’s focus on rugby and basketball indicates a desire to diversify its sports offerings and engage a broader audience.
