Multichoice exploring sports-only package

MultiChoice is investigating unbundling its popular SuperSport line-up from its other DStv channels.

This. It says, is part of a broad channel composition review to address changing consumer preferences.

The broadcaster told MyBroadband, an online news platform, that it has accelerated its efforts into exploring potential changes to the composition of its DStv bouquets.

“This includes considering whether certain bundled elements, such as SuperSport and General Entertainment, could be offered differently in future,” the company said.

MultiChoice said the initiative was still in its early stages and that it was still assessing the offering’s commercial impact and customer value.

“It is also too early to comment on the specifics of any potential model — including whether changes would be optional or how pricing might be structured,” MultiChoice said.

“We remain committed to delivering flexibility and value to our customers and will share further updates as and when there is meaningful progress to report.”

DStv’s extensive sports offering is considered its biggest drawing card. The broadcaster provides live coverage of all major rugby, cricket, football, golf, tennis, and motorsport events.

Over the years, many people have expressed interest in a package with only its SuperSport channels at a more affordable price than its flagship Premium subscription.

MultiChoice’s prospective new owner, Groupe Canal+, offers a dedicated sports bouquet separate from its main subscription.

The French broadcaster’s Canal+ Sport package boasts nine sports channels and an Apple TV+ subscription for €34.99 (R720) per month.

If Canal+ plans to use a similar strategy for DStv if its acquisition pans out, a separate SuperSport offering may become a reality.

“Canal+ won’t strip out sport from the existing package setup since it forms an integral part of the traditional pay-TV bundle,” Ferreira said.

Canal+ and MultiChoice still need to get final approval for the transaction from the Competition Tribunal and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa).

The Competition Commission has already greenlit the transaction, recommending that the Tribunal conditionally approve the transaction.

If all goes according to plan, the two broadcasters expect the transaction to be completed by October 2025.