By Marta Elena Casanova
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Index
In the landscape of European football, promotion to Ligue 1 is much more than just a sporting achievement: it is a real turning point that can rewrite the economic history of a club. For teams like Paris FC, Lorient, and Metz, promoted in 2024/25, access to the top French division means entering an ecosystem rich in financial opportunities, with TV rights, sponsorships, and global visibility that go beyond a mere step up a division, representing a complete transformation of their economic and strategic dimension.
TV Rights: the main source of revenue
The first and most significant financial contribution for promoted clubs comes from television rights. After a period of instability caused by changes in broadcasters, Ligue 1 now enjoys a solid contract that generates approximately €650 million annually in TV revenue, distributed among the top division teams.
Newly promoted clubs can expect an income of around €15-20 million in their first year, compared to the €3-4 million received in Ligue 2. This represents an increase of about 400-500%, a crucial figure for strengthening the squad, improving the club’s structure, and supporting investments.
Sponsorship and commercialization: new horizons
Moving up to Ligue 1 significantly increases commercial appeal. The media visibility, amplified by international coverage, allows Paris FC, Lorient, and Metz to negotiate more advantageous sponsorship deals and attract new partners.
The commercial value of promoted clubs can increase by 25% to 40% in the first year. Alongside shirt sponsors, revenues from merchandising, ticket sales, and hospitality activities also grow.
The unique value of Paris Saint-Germain and the return of the Paris derby
A particular highlight of the upcoming Ligue 1 season will be the return of the Paris derby, with Paris FC facing Paris Saint-Germain, the true “white fly” of the French league due to its economic and sporting value far beyond the other clubs. The presence of PSG, with its huge base of international sponsors and record revenues, creates a unique point of reference and visibility opportunity for promoted teams like Paris FC.
Promotion bonuses and federation support
Unlike other leagues, Ligue 1 does not provide fixed promotion bonuses but offers economic and logistical support tools to facilitate the transition for promoted clubs. Through solidarity funds and incentives, clubs can better manage the economic impact of the new category.
Experts estimate the total value of promotion to be between €25 and €35 million in the first year. With stable permanence in Ligue 1, this figure can exceed €100 million over three years, thanks to increased commercial and sporting revenues.
For clubs like Paris FC, Lorient, and Metz, promotion therefore represents not only a sporting opportunity but also a chance to consolidate financial growth and attract investors.
Comparison with Serie A and La Liga
Compared to Serie A and La Liga, promotion to Ligue 1 is less remunerative in absolute terms: Serie A offers newly promoted clubs between €35 and €45 million in TV rights, while La Liga starts from about €45 million. However, the French system is known for more equitable redistribution and more prudent financial management, which guarantees greater stability and sustainability for clubs.
Moreover, Ligue 1 strongly focuses on the organic growth of clubs, favoring medium- to long-term projects, an aspect that can make a difference for teams like Paris FC, Lorient, and Metz.
Promotion to Ligue 1 represents a significant economic transformation, especially for clubs with a serious and ambitious project. Between TV rights, sponsors, visibility, and federation support, the leap from Ligue 2 can radically change the destiny of clubs like Paris FC, Lorient, and Metz, opening new sporting and economic prospects.
By Marta Elena Casanova
