DStv Might Drop SuperSport? MultiChoice Considers Big Changes
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MultiChoice Group is seriously considering unbundling SuperSport from its DStv platform. This comes as the broadcaster faces increasing pressure from declining subscriber numbers. Group CEO Calvo Mawela revealed in an interview with TechCentral that the company is investigating whether offering DStv without SuperSport channels could be a viable solution to attract and retain customers.
The potential change would allow consumers to subscribe to a general entertainment package from DStv and then add specific sports bouquets based on their interests. This model, common among international pay-TV providers like Sky in the UK, lets subscribers choose which sports they want to pay for, whether it's rugby, soccer, or a comprehensive sports package.
MultiChoice expects to conclude its investigation by March 2026. Mawela stressed that any decision to unbundle SuperSport must lead to revenue and profit growth for the group. The move shouldn't further damage the company's financial standing.
“We think that in this financial year we should have a view of which direction to take, and as soon as we have made that, we should be able to update you,” Mawela stated.
Furthermore, MultiChoice has no intention of offering SuperSport bundles to other broadcasters. Mawela emphasized that “Sport is our key differentiator. It drives stickiness. It drives subscribers to come in … it drives [customer] acquisition … so we need to keep it exclusive [to us].”
Subscriber Losses and Streaming Competition
The accelerated investigation is driven by MultiChoice's ongoing subscriber losses, both in South Africa and across its African markets. The company reported a loss of 1.2 million paying DStv subscribers in the past year. Streaming services like Netflix and YouTube Premium, along with economic pressures, are contributing to the decline.
What Does This Mean For You?
- Potential for cheaper DStv subscriptions if you don't watch sports.
- More control over your entertainment spending.
- The future of sports broadcasting on DStv is uncertain, but MultiChoice aims to keep sports exclusive to their platform.