Nicolas de Tavernost, former president of the M6 group and former owner of the Girondins de Bordeaux, has announced that he will take over as CEO of LFP Media, the commercial subsidiary of the Professional Football League, in about ten days. And this in the midst of French football TV rights crisis.
Football and the media, two areas he masters
Nicolas de Tavernost, 74, led the M6 group for more than two decades, from 2000 to 2024. Under his leadership, M6 acquired the Girondins de Bordeaux in 1999, a club he oversaw until its resale in 2018. After leaving M6, de Tavernost joined CMA Médias as Vice President and Chairman of the Strategic Council in May 2024. In July of the same year, he was appointed interim CEO of RMC BFM, a position he held until this recent announcement.
A delicate mission in a crisis context
LFP Media, created to manage the commercial aspects and the promotion of French football's television rights, is currently going through a difficult period. The departure of Benjamin Morel from the general management in February 2025 has left a void at the helm of the subsidiary. In addition, the LFP is facing tensions with broadcaster DAZN over Ligue 1 broadcasting rights.
In this context, the arrival of Nicolas de Tavernost is seen as an attempt to stabilize the situation and find solutions to current challenges. He told the newspaper Le Monde that he wanted “try to find solutions” for French football in crisis.
A profile adapted to current challenges
Nicolas de Tavernost's appointment is supported by the investment fund CVC Capital Partners, a 13% shareholder in LFP Media, which is seeking an experienced leader to restore the economic attractiveness of French football.
Drawing on his experience in media and football, Nicolas de Tavernost will focus on strengthening relationships with traditional broadcasters and reconciling French clubs, currently divided over broadcast rights strategies. His in-depth knowledge of the French media and football landscape will be a major asset in meeting these challenges.
Nicolas de Tavernost is expected to officially take office in around ten days...
