SUMMARY
- The partnership between Uber and LFP will end after this season, as per French journalist Daniel Riolo.
- McDonald's secured a 20 million euro ($20.6 million) deal, surpassing Uber's lower offer compared to their previous 15 million euro ($16.3 million) contract.
The French championship will have a fresh name starting in the next season. The agreement between the American business Uber and the LFP will expire at the end of the current season and will not be renewed, according to French journalist Daniel Riolo. It would not take long for a new sponsor to assume control and become well-known.
French Ligue 1’s next primary sponsor is going to be McDonald’s. According to multiple sources, McDonald’s has won the market with a deal worth 20 million euros ($20.6 million) annually, following fruitless negotiations with the US behemoth Uber, which would have offered less than the original contract of 15 million euros ($16.3 million) annually that bound the two sides.
🚨 Ligue 1 will no longer be called ‘Uber Eats Ligue 1’.
McDonald’s has bought the naming rights for €20m-a-season, so from next year the Championship will be called ‘Ligue 1 McDonald’s’. 🍟🍔
(Source: @RMCsport ) pic.twitter.com/bYuqmJgkgC
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 5, 2024
As soon as this news broke out, the soccer community could not hold back and took to various social media apps to put forward their views. One fan wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), “They went for an even worse name” regarding the naming rights going to McDonald’s.
They went for an even worse name😭😭 pic.twitter.com/MufG0xOsAg
— Mate (@ThatOneMate55) March 5, 2024
However, as Uber did not renew their naming rights with the Ligue 1, the Ligue 1 only will be profiting from this as they secured 5 million more from the American food company, McDonald’s. It remains to be seen how the fans adapt to this name change in the coming days/months.
The possible departure of Mbappe played a role in Uber not renewing their Ligue 1 contract
Kylian Mbappe, a striker for Paris St. Germain, has reportedly agreed to sign with Real Madrid this summer, according to the BBC. The 25-year-old captain of France has informed PSG that he plans to leave the team when his contract expires in June 2024. Mbappe hasn’t signed a deal with Real yet, but it may become known when the teams are unable to play each other in the Champions League this season.
🚨 Kylian Mbappé will receive a bonus of around €15m if he wins the Ballon d’Or with Real Madrid.
(Source: @footmercato) pic.twitter.com/LDqpmZJQ3x
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 24, 2024
This was one of the main reasons, Uber decided to opt against renewing their naming rights for Ligue 1. The French League (Ligue 1) over the years saw the departures of many soccer stars. It started with Lionel Messi, then Neymar Jr., and now finally Kylian Mbappe. As per reports, this will result in a major drop in the viewership for the next 2024-25 season.
Cristiano Ronaldo shared his views on the Ligue 1 and it was not a positive one
Cristiano Ronaldo claims that there is currently a distinction between Ligue 1 in France and the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo boldly asserted that the Saudi Arabian League was of a higher caliber than Ligue 1 during his Globe Soccer Awards address. He stated:
🚨
Cristiano Ronaldo on Saudi League being better than the French League.pic.twitter.com/WF0JO6zdNe
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) January 19, 2024
“The level right now? To be honest, I think the Saudi league is not worse than France’s league in my opinion. In the French league, I think you have two-three teams with a good level. In Saudi, I think it is more competitive.” Cristiano was very clear about his words regarding the two leagues and the level of competition in each league.
Since Cristiano and Al-Nassr FC are vying for the championship with Al-Hilal FC, it is unclear how Cristiano will fare for the remainder of the 2023–24 campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement in the Saudi Pro League has swiftly made it a global league.