DStv has made a subtle yet significant addition to its channel lineup by introducing SportyTV, a dedicated sports channel available on its Access, Family, Compact, and Compact Plus packages, via both streaming and satellite.
SportyTV operates around the clock, providing coverage of various sports, with a particular focus on football tournaments. It is managed by the Sporty Group, a global consumer Internet and media company that also owns the well-known sports betting platform, SportyBet.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, set to kick off on Thursday, June 11, 2026, where South Africa will face Mexico in Mexico City, the introduction of SportyTV is well-timed. In April 2026, SportyTV announced it had secured the pay-TV rights to all 104 FIFA World Cup matches, although it remains unclear whether all of them will air on the DStv channel.
Nonetheless, DStv subscribers on the Access package or higher will be able to enjoy all the matches live via the broadcaster’s SuperSport channels. Notably, this marks the first instance where DStv provides access to all World Cup matches on its Access and Family packages, with DStv Access priced at R99 monthly for streaming only or R150 for satellite.
For those concerned about the cost of data-intensive video streaming, MTN is rolling out a special data offer for the FIFA World Cup. Customers who load R50 or more in airtime will receive 1GB of free mobile data for DStv Stream each day. Additionally, MTN is giving customers 1GB of free data for every goal scored by Bafana Bafana, which can be claimed through the MyMTN mobile app.
However, DStv Access is not the least expensive option for watching the tournament. SportyTV’s standalone streaming service will broadcast all matches at just R10. This service is accessible on Android, iOS, and major smart TV platforms. Furthermore, matches will be available live on SportyTVAfrica’s YouTube channel for members, who can subscribe for R14.99 per month.
SportyTV has dubbed this low-cost coverage a “watershed” moment, aimed at eliminating financial barriers for millions of dedicated football fans in South Africa to watch the world’s premier sporting event. The channel promises to deliver unprecedented coverage, with teams in all three host nations to enhance the viewing experience for fans.
The channel’s presenters and analysts will welcome high-profile guests, including Rugby World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe, as well as other notable personalities and special surprises.
In addition to live matches, the coverage will include daily news updates, in-depth analyses, exclusive interviews, and thorough pre-match and post-match programming, all designed to create the most comprehensive World Cup coverage yet produced by SportyTV, offering audiences an engaging experience throughout the tournament.
For football fans who may struggle to afford SportyTV or the required data for streaming, several matches will also be available on the SABC’s free-to-air channels. The public broadcaster plans to air and stream 34 matches throughout the tournament on SABC 3 and SABC+, including all group matches involving Bafana Bafana, as well as knockout stage matches and the finals.
eMedia’s Openview has also included a SportyTV channel in its satellite and streaming services since April 2025, though this channel may not provide full live football coverage due to SportyTV’s pay-TV rights.
