DStv Subscribers could soon see changes to their live sports offering. This follows reports that Canal+ Cuts Costs at its newly acquired subsidiary, MultiChoice Group.
SuperSport has already confirmed it will not broadcast the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics from 6 to 22 February. Moreover, rumours suggest that the Super Rugby Pacific deal may not be renewed after next season.
These developments raise serious questions. Will premium sports content remain central to DStv’s value proposition? Or will cost-cutting reshape the viewing landscape in South Africa?
Why DStv Subscribers Are Concerned About Live Sports
Sport has long been DStv’s strongest drawcard. SuperSport holds rights to major competitions, including:
- UEFA Champions League
- Premier League
- Formula 1
- MotoGP
- Major golf tournaments
However, recent decisions suggest a shift in strategy.
For the first time since 2018, South Africa will send a team to the Winter Olympics. The delegation is the country’s largest-ever winter sports team. Yet DStv will not provide live coverage of the event in Northern Italy.
SuperSport reportedly does not hold the rights to broadcast the global spectacle. As a result, subscribers must turn to alternative platforms.
This move has weakened SuperSport’s offering. Consequently, many viewers now fear that other major events could follow.
Canal+ Cuts Costs: A New Decision-Making Powerhouse
Canal+, the French media giant, now controls content acquisition at MultiChoice. Previously, SuperSport handled its own rights negotiations. Now, key decisions are made in Paris.
This centralised model aims to streamline operations. However, it also prioritises cost control.
Broadcast rights are expensive. Therefore, Canal+ appears willing to cut or scale back events it considers non-essential.
According to reports, the current Super Rugby Pacific deal ends next season. Industry insiders believe it may not be renewed. If confirmed, this would mark a major shift for rugby fans.
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What This Means for Rugby and Major Sporting Events
Will Super Rugby Disappear?
Rugby remains deeply embedded in South African culture. Super Rugby Pacific has been a staple on SuperSport for years.
If Canal+ chooses not to renew the deal, viewers may lose access. Alternatively, matches could move to another broadcaster or streaming service.
This would not be unprecedented. Globally, sports rights have shifted toward streaming-first platforms.
A More “Modest” Rights Strategy
Reports suggest Canal+ aims to combine sub-Saharan African rights into a single package. It may bid more conservatively for:
- UEFA competitions
- Premier League
- Formula 1
- MotoGP
This strategy could reduce costs. However, it also increases the risk of losing rights to competitors.
The Bigger Picture: MultiChoice’s Subscriber Decline
The financial context explains much of this shift.
MultiChoice has lost 2.8 million subscribers over two years. Subscriber numbers fell from 17.3 million in 2023 to 14.5 million.
Several factors contributed:
- Economic pressure across sub-Saharan Africa
- Rising subscription costs
- Growth of streaming services
- Increased piracy
- Social media competition
MultiChoice described the period as one of “significant financial disruption”.
Therefore, cost-cutting is not surprising. Yet sport has historically been the company’s competitive advantage.
If live sport weakens, DStv risks losing more subscribers. This could create a cycle of declining revenue and further cuts.
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Communication Concerns and Viewer Trust
Another concern is transparency.
Subscribers were not immediately informed about changes to certain content deals. For example, the Warner Bros. Discovery agreement prevented some channel closures. However, HBO content was removed from M-Net and Showmax.
This change occurred without broad upfront communication.
Trust matters in subscription services. When viewers feel blindsided, cancellations often follow.
The Road Ahead for DStv Subscribers
DStv Subscribers now face uncertainty. Live sport has always justified premium subscription costs. Without it, the value equation changes.
Canal+ must balance financial discipline with audience expectations. Cutting too deeply could accelerate subscriber losses. Conversely, strategic rights management may stabilise margins.
Ultimately, transparency will be crucial. Viewers deserve clarity about what they are paying for.
