Long time coming? DStv considering sports-only packages
While millions of South Africans continue to ditch their DStv subscriptions, Multichoice has finally acknowledged a call for it to introduce tailor-made packages, particularly sports-only ones, featuring the SuperSport group of channels.
The pay-TV company has recorded a monumental revenue loss over recent years. According to social media users, this follows the company's tone-deaf approach to affordability, diversity, and demands.
Following shocking news that DStv had lost 3 million subscribers in 2 years, its parent company, Multichoice, conceded that it would consider consumer demands.
For many South Africans, this means picking your own packages, tailor-made to your interests.
Sports-only packages featured high up on the list. MultiChoice has reported a decline in its subscriber base for the financial year ending 31 March 2025, losing nearly 1.2 million subscribers. Image: MultiChoice
Multichoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela stated that the company would investigate whether unbundling SuperSport from DStv and launching a sports-only package would be a feasible option for its business model.
He said this week: 'We've accelerated that project in terms of getting us to finalise which direction we're going to take in this financial year. But yes, we are considering all options as part of a broader product offering going forward'.
The investigation will conclude at the end of the current financial year-end in March 2026.
Currently, the SuperSport group of channels is offered on DStv's Premium package – it's most expensive – which currently costs R949. For many sports enthusiasts, 'off season' means pausing their subscriptions or cancelling them altogether.
In multiple financial reports, Multichoice has acknowledged that the rising cost of living meant that 'households are struggling to make ends meet and many had no choice but to give up their DStv subscription for the time being.'
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