Facing subscriber losses and rising competition from streaming platforms, MultiChoice is considering splitting its sports content into a separate package—a move that could appeal to budget-conscious customers who only watch sports.
What they’re saying
“We’ve always had this project… where we look at our packaging structures, similar to what Sky did… with a basic package, a sports package, and a general entertainment package,” CEO Calvo Mawela said on Thursday.
He added the company has now accelerated the review and is weighing “all options” in the current financial year.
By the numbers
South African pay-TV giant MultiChoice lost 1.2 million subscribers in the year ending March 31, dropping to 14.5 million total broadcast users.
The company also reported a headline loss of 800 million rand ($45 million).
The big picture:
MultiChoice’s DStv platform currently bundles sports—under its SuperSport brand—into its premium packages, which many users subscribe to just for sports.
That model is becoming harder to sustain, especially off-season, when subscribers are more likely to cancel.
Zoom out:
- MultiChoice is also navigating a potential takeover by France’s Canal+.
- It’s grappling with a cost-of-living crisis that’s squeezing household budgets.
- It faces growing competition from cheaper streaming services, social media, and pirated content.
What to watch
A standalone sports package could help retain subscribers while offering a more flexible pricing model—especially as pay-TV giants try to stay relevant in a rapidly shifting media landscape.
Source: Reuters
