France’s Autorité de la concurrence has formally notified Canal+ Group of grievances over its acquisition and distribution of film rights, following an investigation that has lasted approximately two years.
The regulator notified the group on 29 September 2026, alleging that Canal+ may have abused its dominant position in the acquisition and distribution of films and imposed potentially unfair conditions on rights holders.
The case centres on a 2021 agreement under which Canal+ committed €600 million to French and European cinema over three years. The Autorité has identified two provisions as potentially problematic: one limiting the number of films that competing free-to-air broadcasters and free platforms could acquire to 10, and another allowing Canal+ to reconsider its investment commitments if a competitor entered its distribution window.
The issue is closely linked to the structure of France’s film-release windows. Canal+ currently obtains its pay-TV window six months after a film’s theatrical release, compared with 17 months for Netflix and nine months for Disney+.
In July 2026, Canal+ made a new five-year commitment of €980 million to French cinema. The arrangement maintained the existing hierarchy of release windows rather than materially changing the position under scrutiny.
The case also has implications beyond France because of Canal+ Group’s growing African footprint. Following its acquisition of control of MultiChoice, the group operates major pay-TV platforms including DStv and GOtv, while SuperSport forms a significant part of its sports offering.
Any remedy affecting Canal+’s approach to content acquisition, film rights or distribution agreements could therefore have implications for the wider content-buying structure supporting its international operations, including markets across Africa.
The French proceedings could consequently be relevant to content suppliers, broadcasters and pay-TV operators monitoring how Canal+ structures rights and investment commitments across its markets.
However, the regulatory status of the case is important. A notification of grievances represents formal allegations by the competition authority; it is not a fine or a final finding that Canal+ has infringed competition law. Canal+ will have an opportunity to respond before the Autorité reaches a final decision.
