Watching sport in SA could soon shift away from SuperSport

DStv subscribers who mainly keep their subscriptions for SuperSport could soon face a very different viewing landscape.

Industry analysts say global changes in sports broadcasting and cost pressures at MultiChoice could reshape how fans watch sport, potentially moving some events away from traditional pay-TV.

SuperSport is a key reason people stay with DStv

Sport remains one of the biggest reasons many households continue paying for DStv.

For many subscribers, access to SuperSport, particularly for major sports like rugby, soccer, and cricket, is the main justification for the monthly fee.

But that model could come under pressure as MultiChoice’s new owners reassess the cost of sports broadcasting rights.

RELATED: DStv offering may shrink as Canal+ targets major cost savings

Cash N Sport founder Nqobile Ndlovu told 702 that the company’s new owners will likely scrutinise sports rights closely.

“Canal+ bought MultiChoice for about R55 billion, and they're looking to reclaim their money,” Ndlovu said.

“Part of the biggest cost centre is sports rights, so they'll be looking at sports rights and asking: ‘Do we need that?’”

Early signs are already visible

Some signs of this shift have already emerged.

The recent Winter Olympics were not broadcast on MultiChoice platforms, a decision seen as an early example of cost-cutting in sports rights.

According to analysts, decisions like this could become more common if certain sports do not attract enough viewers across the Continent.

MultiChoice’s strategy also must consider viewing patterns beyond South Africa.

Although the company originated locally, its operations now span Africa, meaning sports rights decisions must make sense for audiences across the Continent.

Global shift toward streaming sport

The pressure on traditional sports broadcasters is also coming from international leagues and governing bodies.

Some rights holders are exploring direct-to-consumer streaming platforms that would allow fans to watch sport without going through television companies.

Ndlovu said these conversations are already happening in major sports markets.

“These are conversations that are happening all over the world,” he said.

In Europe and the United States, sports broadcasting has already seen a shift towards streaming platforms.

However, the move has also created challenges as viewers face multiple subscriptions across different services.

Africa’s infrastructure challenge

Despite global changes, analysts say Africa may adopt these shifts more slowly.

Streaming-only sports services require reliable broadband connectivity, which remains limited in many parts of the Continent.

“We just don't have the facilities and infrastructure to a point where every household has broadband connectivity and can support a streaming-only service,” Ndlovu said.

Because of this, the transition away from traditional TV sports broadcasting could take longer in Africa than in Europe or North America.

A fragmented future for sports viewing

Even so, industry observers believe a fragmented sports-viewing market is inevitable.

Major sports bodies could eventually launch their own platforms.

Ndlovu said organisations such as SA Rugby and Cricket South Africa are already considering standalone streaming services.

“I can tell you now that the Springboks are considering a streaming platform,” he said.

He estimated that major sports rights holders could begin launching their own services within two to five years.

If that happens, DStv subscribers who mainly keep their subscriptions for SuperSport may eventually need multiple platforms to watch all the sports they follow.

For more information, listen to Ndlovu using the audio player below: