DStv is preparing to introduce a dedicated sports package in South Africa as part of a major reshuffle of its streaming offering.
From September 17, the current DStv Compact streaming package, priced at US$24.93 per month, is expected to become DStv Sport. The new package will focus heavily on sport while retaining some entertainment programming.
DStv Sport will include SuperSport coverage of the Premier League and UEFA competitions, the Premier Soccer League (PSL), international cricket, local rugby, one United Rugby Championship (URC) match each week and UFC events.
However, some major sporting properties will remain exclusive to higher-priced packages. These include Formula 1, MotoGP, premium international rugby such as Springbok matches, golf and ATP tennis.
DStv is also introducing a new Movies & Series package costing US$31.26 per month. The package will include 115 channels and, for the first time, M-Net will be available outside DStv Premium.
M-Net has been part of DStv Premium since the service launched in 1995, making the move a significant change to the company’s traditional package structure.
The revised streaming lineup will include several other changes. DStv Starter, priced at US$6,19 per month and formerly known as DStv Access, will offer 85 channels, including selected Premier League matches on SuperSport Kickoff.
DStv Select, previously DStv Family, will cost US$19 per month and provide 100 channels, including PSL coverage, Mzansi Magic and Nickelodeon.
At the top end, DStv Premium will remain at US$49.93 per month with 130 channels. It will continue to provide premium sports including Formula 1, MotoGP, major international rugby, golf and ATP tennis.
DStv Compact Plus, priced at US$34.31 per month, is expected to remain largely unchanged, while DStv EasyView at US$1.81 was not included in the reported changes.
The revised packages apply to streaming subscriptions, while decoder-based package prices are expected to remain unchanged.
The changes follow a broader review of DStv’s offering as viewing habits and customer preferences continue to change. MultiChoice previously confirmed that it was considering whether sports and entertainment content should be packaged differently, including the possibility of making SuperSport content available separately.
The new structure also follows the accidental publication of webpages on DStv’s website detailing the changes ahead of a planned media briefing in Johannesburg.
MultiChoice declined to confirm the leaked information, saying it regularly reviews its products and package offerings. The company said it would inform customers directly and in good time if it made changes to their subscriptions or content.
