Business Reporter
South Africa’s DStv is preparing for its biggest package and content restructuring in more than two decades, with a new line-up that will separate sports and entertainment offerings and give subscribers greater choice.
The overhaul is expected to take effect on 17 September 2026, marking the most significant change to DStv’s package structure since MultiChoice introduced its tiered bouquets in 2005.
The changes come as DStv’s South African business seeks to respond to sustained subscriber losses and changing consumer viewing habits following the takeover of MultiChoice by French media group Canal+.
Among the most significant changes is the creation of a dedicated DStv Sports package, effectively transforming the existing DStv Compact offering into a sports-focused bouquet.
A new DStv Movies & Series package will also be introduced, giving customers who are primarily interested in entertainment an alternative to paying for a premium package heavily weighted towards sport.
The restructuring comes after Canal+ identified the complexity of MultiChoice’s product portfolio as one of the problems affecting the business.
Canal+ took control of MultiChoice in 2025 after a transaction valued at more than R50 billion. The French media company subsequently outlined a turnaround strategy aimed at simplifying MultiChoice’s commercial offering and improving its competitiveness.
MultiChoice had previously operated a large number of packages and product combinations, making it difficult for consumers to understand what they were paying for and potentially discouraging price-sensitive customers.
The new structure represents a move towards more clearly defined products, allowing customers to choose between sports, entertainment or a comprehensive premium offering.
The changes also come amid continued pressure on traditional pay-TV operators from streaming services and declining consumer spending.
MultiChoice’s subscriber base and revenues had been under pressure before the Canal+ takeover, with the company’s performance hit by economic conditions, the shift towards over-the-top streaming and intense competition for consumers’ entertainment budgets.
