DStv has great news for football fans, bad news for SA entertainment

MultiChoice is expanding its sports offering on DStv with the launch of four new SuperSport channels, while simultaneously shutting down four existing channels, including three focused on local content.

The new SuperSport channels launched on 19 August 2026, with MultiChoice saying they will increase the amount of live sports available to subscribers, particularly during busy periods when multiple major events take place at the same time.

However, four existing channels will stop broadcasting at 23:59 on 16 September 2026.

Four new SuperSport channels

The new channels are aimed primarily at increasing sports coverage and providing additional options when major events overlap.

They are:

• SuperSport Football Plus (Channel 206) – dedicated to premium football content, including selected UEFA Champions League matches
• SuperSport KickOff (Channel 207) – designed to provide coverage of football matches that start simultaneously
• SuperSport Africa (Channel 208) – featuring sporting events from South Africa and across the African continent
• SuperSport Extra 2 (Channel 217) – an overflow channel for major sporting events taking place at the same time

MultiChoice says the additional channels will help address the increasingly congested international sporting calendar and give subscribers greater access to live action.

Three local channels among those closing

While the sports offering is being expanded, the company is also streamlining its broader television portfolio.

The four channels scheduled to close are:

• M-Net Movies 1
• kykNET Lekker
• Mzansi Bioskop
• Mzansi Music

Three of the four are local channels.

Mzansi Bioskop has traditionally showcased South African films and provided opportunities for emerging local filmmakers, while Mzansi Music focuses on South African music and entertainment.

kykNET Lekker is an Afrikaans-language channel aimed at DStv Access subscribers.

The closures therefore represent a notable reduction in dedicated local channels, particularly at the lower end of the DStv offering.

Local content still available elsewhere

MultiChoice says programming from the affected channels will remain available through other DStv offerings.

The company has described the changes as part of a broader strategy to reduce duplication and streamline its channel portfolio as viewing habits continue to shift towards alternative platforms and on-demand services.

The latest changes follow a number of other channel closures earlier in 2026.

Among the channels affected were BET Africa, CBS Reality, CBS Justice and MTV Base, following Paramount’s decision to wind down its linear television operations across Africa.

Pressure on local content

The latest closures come at a particularly important time for MultiChoice’s local-content commitments following Canal+’s acquisition of the company.

As part of the regulatory conditions attached to the transaction, commitments were made around local content production and support for small black-owned suppliers.

Canal+ Africa CEO David Mignot previously said cutting local content investment would be a “strategically huge mistake”, while highlighting a commitment of around €100 million to accelerate local production.

The Competition Commission has said it is monitoring compliance with the commitments.

The closure of Mzansi Bioskop, Mzansi Music and kykNET Lekker could therefore raise questions about the future shape of MultiChoice’s local television offering, even though the company maintains that the relevant content will remain available elsewhere on DStv.

DStv prices to remain unchanged

Despite the channel changes, MultiChoice says DStv subscription prices will remain unchanged this year.

The company has confirmed that it does not plan to increase its current prices, even as it reshapes its channel line-up.

The changes reflect the increasingly difficult balancing act facing traditional pay-TV operators: maintaining a compelling live sports offering while reducing costs and adapting to changing viewing habits.

For DStv subscribers, the immediate trade-off will be clear – more dedicated SuperSport channels and sports coverage, but fewer standalone channels dedicated to local entertainment and music.