Canal will continue to broadcast the Top 14 and Pro D2 until 2031. The encrypted channel, historic broadcaster of French rugby, won this Wednesday the call for tenders launched by the National Rugby League (LNR) on April 2 last for the rights for the 2027-2028 to 2030-2031 seasons, with an option for a fifth season.
To win the four lots on offer, the group spent 696.8 million euros, or an average amount per season of 139.4 million euros (including 128.7 million for the Top 14 alone). This represents an increase of 14.7% from the current amount.
“The success of this call for tenders is the result of several years of construction and strong political choices to make the Top 14 the reference championship for world rugby,” said René Bouscatel, president of the LNR, in a press release. The progression of PRO D2 rights is also a sign of the dynamic development of this championship. […] This allocation will benefit all of French rugby: the Top 14, Pro D2, amateur rugby, the training sector and the French XV.”
For his part, Maxime Saada, general manager of the Canal group, says he is “proud to be able to offer the most beautiful rugby championship in the world to our subscribers”. He sends a “huge thank you to the NRL and the rugby clubs for their renewed confidence”