MultiChoice is investigating unbundling its popular SuperSport line-up from other DStv channels, as part of a broad review of its channel offerings. This move aims to address evolving consumer preferences and potentially offer more flexible viewing options.
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MultiChoice is actively exploring significant changes to its DStv packages, specifically investigating whether popular elements like SuperSport and general entertainment channels could be offered differently in the future. This initiative aims to address evolving consumer preferences and potentially introduce more flexible viewing options.
The broadcaster has accelerated efforts to review its channel composition. MultiChoice clarified that this endeavour is in its early stages, with ongoing assessment of the commercial impact and customer value such a change would bring. While it’s too soon to provide specifics on optionality or pricing structures, MultiChoice remains committed to delivering flexibility and value.
This isn’t MultiChoice’s first consideration of separating sports channels. In September 2021, journalist Thinus Ferreira reported on MultiChoice’s “DStv Flex” concept. This proposal involved a mandatory “Entertainment Pack” and optional “Sport Packs” that could be added or removed monthly. While users couldn’t subscribe only to sports, Flex would have allowed savings during off-seasons. However, MultiChoice largely remained silent on Flex afterwards, later implying it was just one of many product ideas tested.
DStv’s extensive sports offering, covering major events like rugby, cricket, and football, is widely seen as its biggest appeal. Many viewers have long expressed interest in a more affordable package containing only SuperSport channels, instead of the flagship Premium subscription.
It’s currently unclear if MultiChoice’s latest investigation will revisit SuperSport as a bolt-on or a completely standalone product.
Interestingly, Groupe Canal+, MultiChoice’s prospective new owner, already offers a dedicated sports bouquet separate from its main subscription in other markets. For instance, their Canal+ Sport package includes nine sports channels and an Apple TV+ subscription. If Canal+ applies a similar strategy to DStv after a successful acquisition, a separate SuperSport offering could become a reality.
However, Thinus Ferreira suggests Canal+ would likely not spin off SuperSport, believing it’s integral to the traditional pay-TV bundle.
The acquisition of MultiChoice by Canal+ still requires final approval from South Africa’s Competition Tribunal and Icasa. The Competition Commission has already recommended conditional approval. If all proceeds as planned, the transaction is expected to be completed by October 2025.
