Despite facing significant financial challenges, MultiChoice is doubling down on its SuperSport brand to capitalize on South Africans’ unwavering passion for football. The company has secured exclusive rights to broadcast all major football leagues worldwide, offering viewers a comprehensive platform to watch their favourite matches.
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According to Nielsen Sports SA, the South African Betway Premiership, available on SuperSport and Showmax, attracted massive viewership during the 2023/2024 season. Live game viewership increased by 27%, with over two million unique viewers tuning in. Repeat watches and highlights further contributed to the tournament’s popularity, reaching over seven million viewers.
These numbers are particularly impressive when compared to other popular sports content, such as the WWE SmackDown in the United States. The Betway Premiership also saw a rise in unique audience, overall consumption, and secondary broadcasts.
Nielsen Sports SA highlighted the tournament’s ability to captivate local viewers, even amidst a general decline in traditional TV watching. The company emphasized the continued strength and appeal of the Betway Premiership, driven by fans’ dedication to their home teams and the accessibility of the broadcasts on DStv Compact.
The DStv Diski Challenge, a popular reserve league tournament, also experienced growth in viewership, further solidifying the appeal of football content on MultiChoice platforms.
By focusing on football and maintaining its competitive edge in securing broadcasting rights, MultiChoice can continue to attract subscribers and drive revenue, even in the face of financial challenges. The company’s strategic investment in sports content is likely to be a key factor in its recovery and future success.