Disney+ has added French sports broadcaster La chaîne L’Équipe to its platform, marking the first time subscribers in France have been able to access a live linear television channel as part of their Disney+ subscription.
The agreement expands the ESPN on Disney+ sports offering launched earlier this year and brings a broad range of live events, sports news and discussion programming to the streaming service.
Disney+ customers can now watch live coverage including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Dakar Rally, Diamond League athletics, biathlon World Cup and World Championship events, the Supercopa de España and European Table Tennis Union competitions.
The channel will also provide analysis and discussion programming around major international sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, through flagship shows such as L’Équipe du Soir, L’Équipe de Greg and L’Équipe de Choc.
The deal is another example of Disney’s increasingly flexible approach to sports distribution following the launch of ESPN on Disney+ in Europe. Rather than relying solely on rights acquired directly by Disney, the company is now incorporating established local sports brands and broadcasters into the platform.
“For nearly 30 years, La chaîne L’Équipe has been part of the daily rhythm of sport in France and a trusted source of sports news and debate,” said Karl Holmes, General Manager, Disney+ EMEA.
“We’re delighted to bring it to Disney+, helping our customers stay connected to one of France’s most recognised sports channels.”
The partnership also provides Groupe L’Équipe with access to Disney+’s subscriber base and younger streaming audiences.
Vincent Broussard, CEO of the TV division of Groupe L’Équipe, said the agreement would allow the broadcaster to expand its reach while continuing to deliver major sporting events and editorial coverage to French viewers.
The launch further strengthens Disney+’s content proposition in France by combining entertainment, local originals and an expanding portfolio of live sports within a single subscription package.
The move is likely to fuel further speculation about whether Disney could replicate similar partnerships with free-to-air sports broadcasters in other European markets as it continues to build out ESPN on Disney+ internationally.
