MultiChoice is exploring a major overhaul of its DStv channel structure, with a particular focus on divesting its high-demand SuperSport offering from traditional entertainment packages — according to South African media.
- •The consideration marks a potential strategic shift as the pay-TV giant adapts to shifting consumer demands and mounting pressure from streaming platforms and price-sensitive subscribers.
- •The company confirmed that a comprehensive channel composition review is underway, which includes assessing whether SuperSport could be offered as a separate or optional package in the future.
- •While no final decisions have been made, and the model remains under evaluation, the company emphasized the goal of enhancing customer flexibility and perceived value.
SuperSport, which offers premium coverage of rugby, football, cricket, golf, motorsport, and more, remains DSTV’s most significant customer magnet in many markets, including Kenya. In the financial year ended March 2025, SuperSport posted another landmark year in sports broadcasting, driven by global events such as the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, EURO 2024, and multiple ICC cricket tournaments.
The broadcaster delivered over 47,800 hours of live coverage—a 7% increase year-on-year—and produced more than 1,000 live events. Calls for sports-only or flexible subscription options have grown louder as more viewers seek tailored, cost-effective access to content they value most.
The pressure to adapt may be intensified by the pending acquisition of MultiChoice by French media conglomerate Canal+, which offers a dedicated sports bouquet in its home market. Canal+ Sport in France is priced at about €34 (KSh 5,000) per month and includes nine sports channels and an Apple TV+ subscription.
However, SuperSport is deeply embedded within DStv’s premium packages, and fragmenting it could disrupt existing Pay-TV models and cause further subscriber and revenue crunch in these offerings. Moreover, piracy remains a growing barrier to SuperSport’s broadcast exclusivity and despite magnanimous efforts to block complicit websites, they continue to proliferate.