Disney+ has revealed that it will expand its offerings in South Africa by launching two ESPN Africa channels on October 2, 2025. This move aims to enhance subscriber access to live and studio sports content from the U.S. and other international markets.
Subscribers to Disney+ Premium and Mobile plans in South Africa who are 18 years or older can enjoy these 24-hour linear channels. According to ESPN, the service will still be accessible through MultiChoice’s DStv and StarTimes across Africa.
Exciting content on these channels will include the National Rugby League from Australia, Aussie Rules football, and Springbok-inclusive Japanese Rugby League coverage. Moreover, soccer enthusiasts can catch matches from European Football, the Scottish Professional Football League, the English Championship, the Dutch Eredivisie, the German Football Association Cup, and the Saudi Pro League.
ESPN 2 will feature major American sports events, including the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. Additionally, both ESPN channels will air popular studio shows providing the latest news and analysis on sports, such as ESPN FC, First Take, The Pat McAfee Show, and SportsCenter. Fans can also look forward to documentaries and original programming, including the acclaimed 30 for 30 film series.
Diego Londono, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Networks and Sports in the EMEA region at The Walt Disney Company, highlighted that the introduction of ESPN Africa channels is part of Disney’s commitment to delivering top sports content to its audience. He stated, “The launch reflects our strategy to engage sports fans through various platforms and connect with new viewers.”
Kyle de Klerk, the sports director for Disney Company Africa, emphasised that ESPN’s content will enhance the offerings available to Disney+ subscribers, featuring both historic and live sports from renowned leagues globally.
These new ESPN channels will complement Disney+’s established catalogue, which includes content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu, FX, Searchlight Pictures, and 20th Century Studios.
Disney is also planning a major overhaul of its streaming platform to fully integrate Hulu, which will replace the Star tile in markets such as South Africa. Initially announced during Disney’s Q3 earnings call in August 2025, this transition will enhance the user experience by creating a comprehensive streaming package combining top-tier entertainment, family-friendly programming, and premier live sports.
The integration will provide subscribers with a greater variety, convenience, quality, and personalised offerings. Disney has announced that the changes will create a unified streaming experience between Disney+ and Hulu, which is scheduled to launch in 2026. However, specific impacts or timelines have not yet been disclosed.
A Disney spokesperson noted that the first step towards this unified experience will involve branding Hulu as the general entertainment segment globally. This means that the Star tile on Disney+ in international markets will transition to Hulu branding. This tile will house all general entertainment titles under the Hulu name in these regions.
