DStv has officially launched five new subscription packages in South Africa, with monthly prices ranging from R99 (N8,201) to R799 (N66,285), as part of its biggest package overhaul in 15 years. The new structure, announced on Monday, September 7, takes effect on September 17, 2026, and includes a new slogan, "Expect+", and refreshed branding under French media giant Canal+, which completed its acquisition of DStv's parent company MultiChoice in a deal valued at over R50 billion (N4.26 trillion).
DStv's Five New Packages: Pricing and Channel Counts
The revised offering introduces five packages: Starter, Select, Sports, Movies & Series, and Premium. The entry-level Starter package costs R99 per month and provides access to 85 channels. Select, priced at R299, steps up to 100 channels. The Sports package, at R399 per month, unlocks 115 channels, including 17 dedicated sports channels covering football, cricket, rugby, and action sports, allowing subscribers to access a sports-focused bundle without upgrading to the most expensive tier.
A standalone Movies & Series package will cost R500 per month, also offering 115 channels, with a stronger focus on entertainment through channels such as M-Net, kykNET, and premium movie channels. This tier is aimed at viewers who want film and television content without a sports-heavy subscription. Premium, the platform's top offering, remains at R799 per month and provides 130 channels, combining the broadest range of entertainment and sports available on the platform.
New Channels and Revised Branding
DStv is also introducing several new channels alongside the restructured packages. New entertainment channel Wethu+ and SuperSport Kickoff will be added, along with M-Net Movies+, M-Net Movies Stars, and M-Net Movies Legends, bolstering the platform's film library. Several SuperSport channels will carry new names, including SuperSport Football Plus, SuperSport Africa, SuperSport Extra, and SuperSport Extra 2. Third-party additions include France24 and Church TV.
MultiChoice CEO in South Africa, Wellington Ngwepe, said the previous package structure had not kept pace with how customers watch content. He said subscribers had repeatedly asked for better value and a simpler range of options, and that the new design was built around specific viewing needs rather than broad, overlapping bundles.
Impact: Subscriber Retention Amid Streaming Competition
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that MultiChoice has confirmed that DStv subscription prices will remain unchanged in 2026, a change from its usual annual price adjustments. The move is part of the company's efforts to win back lost subscribers amid challenges from streaming services.
The South African pay-TV giant has battled with global streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, for subscribers. The new package structure and branding are set to go live on September 17, 2026, with the company positioning the overhaul as a response to changing viewer habits and competitive pressures.
