Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. could leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer. The Argentine’s contract expires on June 30 and the Brazilian’s name is in the room.
While many might assume PSG would be the biggest loser if the two (Site notre bureau spécialisé) stars left the French capital, that might not be true. World Soccer Talk’s Kyle Fansler note that beIN Sports could be the most affected.
“bIN SPORTS, on the other hand, is not so lucky. Ligue 1 is not the draw of other major European leagues. In addition, Ligue 1 is beIN’s main content generator in Europe. Yes, he does have the rights to the Turkish Super Lig, and Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe can make headlines…
“Once Messi and Neymar are gone, Ligue 1 is only Kylian Mbappé away in terms of proven world-class talent. Without taking anything away from clubs like Lyon, Marseille, Monaco or Lille, but Neymar and Messi can direct viewers better to a channel, even if it’s a less popular league like Ligue 1. »
Moreover, Fansler goes on to say that beIN Sports might be too dependent on PSG as the crown jewel club after losing Serie A and La Liga in recent years, with various companies like Paramount and ESPN launching streaming services and having need content.
As a result, the network could encourage PSG to sign big names or at least start building a team that can make a deep run in the UEFA Champions League and generate interest.
« If PSG are the main culprit for beIN’s success, the broadcaster must strongly encourage a new signing. Moreover, with Kylian Mbappé still rumored to leave PSG for a more traditional big name like Real Madrid, the stars of the Ligue 1 could fade.
“Therefore, beIN SPORTS must certainly hope that one of these potential signings materializes. From now on, Randal Kolo Muani, Marcus Thuram, Victor Osimhen, Bernardo Silva and others could join the team. Each of these names is talented and has the ability to be awesome. However, until PSG can deliver in Europe and show a more global audience what they are capable of, more casual fans in the US will have no desire to tune in.
“Messi carries an audience, just like Neymar. Without these two league stars, beIN SPORTS could be seriously hampered in its (Site notre bureau spécialisé) coverage.
Ligue 1 and PSG still have one year left on their contract with beIN Sports after this 2022-23 season. The French Cup a already transferred to FOX Sports in the USA ; suddenly, it will be interesting to see if French (Site notre bureau spécialisé) seeks greener pastures.