DStv to Launch Sports-Only Subscription: A Game-Changer for South African Viewers

MultiChoice is exploring the possibility of introducing a standalone SuperSport subscription, a move that could revolutionise the way South African viewers access sports content. As the company faces mounting financial pressures and declining subscriber numbers, a shift towards offering sports as a separate package could be just the solution for DStv customers.

Why Is This Shift Happening?

MultiChoice’s latest financial report reveals that the company has experienced a significant loss of 2.8 million DStv subscribers over the past two years. As households tighten their budgets due to the ongoing economic strain, they have scaled back non-essential spending, including premium TV packages. As a result, the pay-TV giant has seen a R1.7 billion drop in subscription revenue.

Calvo Mawela, CEO of MultiChoice, acknowledged the impact of these financial struggles:

“Many households were financially strained, forcing them to cancel their DStv subscriptions.”

The decline in DStv Premium subscribers, which includes channels like M-Net, kykNET, and SuperSport, is particularly noticeable, with only 1 million subscribers left. In comparison, the Compact package has 2.1 million subscribers, while Family and lower-tier options combined total 4.7 million customers.

What Could the Sports-Only Subscription Look Like?

Though the specifics are still under discussion, the idea of a standalone SuperSport subscription is gaining traction. Mawela suggested that DStv could adopt a model similar to the one used by the UK’s Sky TV, where customers purchase a basic package and then have the option to add on specific content such as sports, movies, or entertainment.

“We’re pushing forward with this project… and considering all possible options as part of a broader strategy,” Mawela explained.

This new offering could give viewers greater control over their subscriptions, allowing them to pay exclusively for the sports content they love, such as rugby, soccer, and cricket, while bypassing other channels like news and lifestyle. However, fans should not expect this to be a low-cost option, as broadcasting sports comes with hefty costs due to expensive local and international licensing fees.

Could This Be the Future of DStv?

With French broadcaster Canal+ set to take control of MultiChoice, the sports-only subscription could be part of a broader transformation in how the company packages and prices its content. Canal+ is known for its flexible approach to bundling, which may lead to significant changes in the near future.

MultiChoice is also grappling with the underperformance of Showmax, its streaming platform. Despite some growth, Showmax has not met the company’s original projections. As CFO Tim Jacobs pointed out:

“Although Showmax is performing reasonably well, its growth is still below what we had initially anticipated.”

The rising costs of Showmax’s content creation have made the service increasingly unsustainable, and competition in the streaming market will likely influence future pricing.

A Bright Spot: SuperSport Schools

Despite the challenges faced by traditional DStv offerings, SuperSport Schools has emerged as a success story. This digital service, which focuses on school sports content, has seen impressive growth, with a 46% increase in users and now boasts 1.2 million registered viewers. This indicates that there is still strong demand for curated, sports-focused content, especially in the youth and grassroots sectors.

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Could This Be the Turning Point for DStv?

A sports-only subscription could be just the innovation MultiChoice needs to address its subscriber losses and adapt to the evolving demands of South African audiences. While the team is still working out the exact details of pricing and packaging, the momentum behind this concept suggests that DStv is nearing a pivotal shift in how it offers its content.

A final decision is expected before the end of 2025, leaving sports fans hopeful that SuperSport might soon be available as a standalone option. For now, viewers can look forward to what could be a game-changing move for South African TV.