MultiChoice considers a dedicated SuperSport subscription amid subscriber losses and financial strain — here’s what it could mean for DStv customers
South African sports fans may finally get what they’ve been calling for — a standalone sports-only subscription. As financial pressures continue to weigh on households and subscriber numbers dwindle, MultiChoice is actively considering carving out its SuperSport channels into a separate package to cater specifically to sports lovers.
Why the Shift?
According to MultiChoice’s latest annual results, the company lost a staggering 2.8 million DStv subscribers over the past two years. Households, squeezed by economic realities, are scaling back on non-essential expenses, and premium entertainment is often the first to go. This shift has cost the pay-TV giant R1.7 billion in subscription revenue.
MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela acknowledged the decline, stating:
“Households were struggling financially, and many had no choice but to give up their DStv subscriptions.”
The company’s once-prized DStv Premium package — which includes M-Net, kykNET, and SuperSport — now has just 1 million subscribers in South Africa. In contrast, Compact retains 2.1 million, and Family and lower-tier packages account for 4.7 million customers.
What Would the Sports-Only Package Look Like?
While details remain under wraps, SuperSport’s future as a standalone subscription is under serious consideration. Mawela hinted that DStv could follow a model similar to the UK’s Sky TV, where viewers buy a basic package and then add sports, movies, or entertainment bundles.
“We are now accelerating the project… But yes, we are considering all options as part of a broader product offering,” Mawela confirmed.
This long-awaited move could give viewers more control — and value — by allowing them to pay only for what they want. Sports fans could skip the lifestyle and news content and only pay for access to rugby, soccer, cricket, and other beloved events.
However, don’t expect this to be a budget-friendly option. The cost of broadcasting sports content is high due to expensive local and international licensing rights.
Is This the Future of DStv?
With French broadcaster Canal+ set to take over MultiChoice, this sports-only option could be one of many changes rolling out soon. Canal+ has a reputation for flexibility in package structures and might influence how content is bundled and priced in the near future.
MultiChoice is also grappling with underperformance from Showmax, their streaming arm. Despite some growth, it’s not meeting projections. CFO Tim Jacobs admitted:
“Although it is doing relatively well, the level of growth is still not what we had in our original business plan.”
The cost of Showmax content creation has become unsustainable, and future pricing will likely be influenced by what the competition is doing.
A Silver Lining: SuperSport Schools
While the traditional DStv model falters, some platforms are thriving. SuperSport Schools, a digital service for school sports content, has seen a 46% growth in users, now boasting 1.2 million registered viewers. This suggests there’s still an appetite for curated, sports-centric offerings — especially in the youth and grassroots sectors.
Final Whistle
The idea of a DStv sports-only subscription may just be the innovation needed to reverse its subscriber slump and meet the evolving needs of the South African market. While pricing and packaging are still being debated internally, the momentum behind this concept signals a possible turning point for MultiChoice.
Expect a formal decision before the end of 2025 — and in the meantime, sports fans can hold onto hope that SuperSport might soon be super-separate.
Also read: MultiChoice Warns of Tough Times Ahead as DStv Subscribers Drop from over 23 Million to 19.3 Million
