DStv is set to overhaul its streaming service in South Africa, introducing a new standalone Sports package among five subscription tiers, effective September 17, 2026. This restructuring follows Canal+'s acquisition of MultiChoice, the parent company of the pay-TV giant. The changes were accidentally published on DStv's website before being removed, with screenshots circulating online revealing package names, monthly prices, and channel counts ahead of the launch.
New Sports Package Details
The standalone Sports package will be priced at R399 per month and is expected to include approximately 115 channels. Subscribers will have access to Premier League and UEFA competitions, T20 cricket, local rugby, UFC, and WWE content. However, high-profile events such as Formula 1, MotoGP, Springboks matches, golf, and ATP tennis will remain exclusive to the Premium tier, which costs R799 per month and offers about 130 channels.
For fans of South African domestic football, the Premier Soccer League is expected to be available on the Select package, priced at R299 per month, meaning they may not need the dedicated Sports package. This tiering is designed to give subscribers more targeted options based on their viewing preferences.
Full Package Lineup and Pricing
The revamped streaming structure includes five packages: Starter, Select, Sports, Movies & Series, and Premium. Starter will cost R99 per month and carry about 85 channels, while Select at R299 will offer around 100 channels. The Sports and Movies & Series packages will each have roughly 115 channels, and Premium remains the most comprehensive option at R799 with approximately 130 channels.
The new Movies & Series package, priced at R500 per month, will focus on films, series, and general entertainment. Notably, M-Net—a channel historically tied to DStv Premium—will become available at this tier, along with kykNET and M Movies+. This move broadens access to premium entertainment content for subscribers who do not opt for the top-tier package.
Scope and Strategic Implications
It is important to note that the reported changes apply exclusively to DStv's streaming service. Customers using satellite decoders will not automatically transition to the new five-package structure, and no immediate overhaul of decoder offerings has been announced. This distinction is crucial for subscribers who rely on traditional satellite equipment.
The restructuring reflects Canal+'s broader strategy to reshape MultiChoice's business as traditional pay-TV providers face increasing pressure to offer subscribers more flexibility over content choices and pricing. By introducing standalone packages, DStv aims to cater to diverse viewer interests while maintaining a competitive edge in the streaming market.
MultiChoice Nigeria Clarifies Operations
In a related development, MultiChoice Nigeria has reaffirmed that its operations remain locally driven despite becoming part of Canal+. The company stated that key decisions affecting its Nigerian business, including pricing, content strategy, channel packaging, and distribution, continue to be made within the country.
Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Kemi Omotosho, emphasized that the company's leadership, strategy, and day-to-day operations remain centred on Nigerian customers, employees, partners, and the local creative industry. This clarification aims to reassure stakeholders that the acquisition will not alter the company's commitment to the Nigerian market.
The new DStv streaming packages will take effect on September 17, 2026, marking a significant shift in how subscribers access content. As the launch date approaches, further details may emerge, and subscribers are advised to monitor official DStv communications for final confirmation of the package structure and pricing.
