Disney+ is set to expand its content library in South Africa with the addition of two ESPN Africa channels, effective October 2, 2025. The move will give all Disney+ Premium and Mobile plan subscribers access to two 24-hour linear channels, featuring a wide range of live sports and original programming.
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The new channels will provide a diverse selection of content from the United States and beyond. Sports fans can look forward to live coverage of major U.S. leagues like the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. Soccer fans will also get to watch matches from top leagues, including the English Championship and Saudi Pro League, while rugby fans can follow the National Rugby League and Japanese Rugby League.
Beyond live games, the channels will broadcast popular studio shows like First Take and SportsCenter, along with a library of award-winning 30 for 30 documentaries. According to Diego Londono, senior vice president and general manager for The Walt Disney Company’s EMEA region, the launch reflects a strategy to reach sports fans across multiple platforms and connect with new audiences.
The addition of ESPN is part of Disney’s broader plan to enhance its streaming platform. The company recently announced that Hulu will replace the “Star” tile on Disney+ internationally, creating a more unified and comprehensive streaming experience. This change is expected to lead to a single Disney+ and Hulu app, which the company aims to roll out to international customers sometime in 2026.
