Would Comcast's NBCUniversal Have Been A Better Suitor To MultiChoice?

Since late 2025, Canal+ managed to complete it's acquisition of MultiChoice and have begun slashing costs at the company. This is the norm for a majority of mergers and acquisitions and consumers have already seen the after effects.

M-Net had a licensing deal with Warner Bros. Discovery for titles like Penguin, The Peacemaker and Euphoria. In their last carriage deal, Canal+ let that deal die as it retains Cartoon Network and Warner's other cable networks.

Even SuperSport wasn't immune to costs as the merger lead to the loss of World Darts Championship, Winter Olympics and Philly's Games.

Showmax is expected to suffer the most from this ordeal as Canal+ admitted that the streamer has a commercial failure and only worsening MultiChoice's finances. Since last year, they've been engaging with Comcast about it's viability.

NBCUniversal bought a stake in the streamer a few years ago and this led to various enhancements for Showmax. This included additional catalogue from NBC, Telemundo Studios, Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation.

Post the takeover, MultiChoice and NBCUniversal had also been locked in to various partnerships including that of Universal+ on DStv Stream. They've even provided Universal TV, Studio Universal and Telemundo to DStv consumers.

Some outlets even speculated that a merger between NBCUniversal and MultiChoice was another endeavour on the cards. Although we're less likely to see how this would have turned out the outcome would probably have been different.

NBCUniversal spun off majority of its cable networks under a separate company, Versant. For all anyone knows, this probably would have been the outcome for M-Net's local portfolio either that or sale and best guess on a buyer would be Canal+.

Canal+ has a 30+ year presence in the African space and have been growing their portfolio in the market and prior to MultiChoice they bought Nigeria's ROK Studios and Rwanda's Zacu TV. So it would only seem logical for them to snatch these assets.

NBCUniversal would probably retain M-Net and likely make it an equivalent the main NBC network in America. Another brand they would likely keep is SuperSport and maybe all if not most of these recent cuts would have been avoided.

As for DStv, this would probably go 50/50 while Canal+ retains MultiChoice's entire operations. NBCUniversal could have looked into shutting down some of MultiChoice's operations or keeping the profitable ones as seen with Sky in Germany.

Canal+ To Shutter Showmax Streaming Service By The End Of April As Content Moves To DStv Stream

Showmax has today confirmed key dates marking the end of the streaming service that has operated across 44 markets in Sub-Saharan Africa for the past 11 years.

In an email sent to subscribers on Wednesday evening, the platform outlined a phased wind-down of its current service, with 31 March 2026 set as the final day for subscription renewals and voucher redemptions. From 1 April 2026, new subscriptions and renewals will no longer be available.

Existing subscribers will continue watching content until their subscription expires, or until the end of April 2026, whichever comes first.

This new update provides the clearest consumer-facing timeline yet, following the announcement roughly two weeks ago that Canal+ would shut down Showmax, citing “unacceptable” losses at the African streamer as it sought cost-saving measures.

That announcement sent shockwaves across the industry, from Nairobi to Lagos to Johannesburg, with filmmakers and actors raising concerns over the loss of a key African platform that had, for over a decade, commissioned and amplified local storytelling at scale.

At the same time, the announcement was also met with uncertainty, particularly due to the absence of a clear shutdown timeline or transition plan for subscribers.

Even now, some subscribers have already begun expressing frustration over the short transition window. “It’s really annoying how little time is left,” one subscriber and regular Showmax viewer said in a WhatsApp message.

Showmax Originals will now move to DStv Stream, positioning it as MultiChoice’s central hub for streaming offering, at least for now.

“Showmax is starting a new chapter, and your favourite shows are getting a shiny new home on DStv Stream,” the company said in the email.

But the language used in the communication also suggests that there is more to come. In stating that the content will join “a bigger world of entertainment, all in one place,” MultiChoice hints at a broader consolidation strategy — one that could see Canal+ and MultiChoice’s currently fragmented digital products folded into a more unified streaming ecosystem. There have been reports that Canal+ is exploring a single “super app”, one to rule them all, though this remains unconfirmed at this stage.

In the meantime, it remains unclear whether Showmax users will be migrated to DStv Stream, and what that process would look like in terms of pricing, packaging and access, especially given the current price disparity between the two services.

Canal+ To Rollout Fishing TV Channel To Consumers Across Africa (Excluding MultiChoice Territories)

Fishing TV is a premium video-on-demand (VOD) platform dedicated to recreational angling (fishing). Launched in 2009, it serves as a specialized streaming service for high-quality fishing content, functioning like a "Netflix for fishing".

It aggregates and produces professional fishing TV shows, videos, movies, documentaries, and short tips from around the world. This include The Fishing TV Show, Yucatan Anglers TV and 24 Hr Rod Race.

Fishing TV organizes its library into dedicated channels (categories) covering nearly every style and discipline of recreational fishing. This includes Fly Fishing, Saltwater, Carp, Coarse & Match and Predator Fishing.

During the month, it was reported that Canal+ Afrique would be adding Fishing TV to their platforms. This was accompanied by various channels already seen on DStv like SuperSport Grandstand, Comedy Central and History.

Similar to Love Nature, Fishing TV serves as yet another TV channel that the French broadcaster hadn't picked up for MultiChoice territories. Despite offering The Wildfly Fishing Series and Inside Angling on SuperSport.

Aside from offering a linear channel, Fishing TV is available on Smart TVs, mobile devices (iOS/Android), tablets, and set-top boxes.

Could Canal+ Look To Discontinue GOtv As They Restructure DStv Packages?

As readers already heard, Canal+ is looking to restructure it's DStv packages because MultiChoice offered about 17 of that in SA. To top it off in other MultiChoice territories, they distribute GOtv which adds another layer of complexity in those plans.

Since 2023, MultiChoice had lost over 3 million subscribers and that the new owners have taken upon themselves to stop further price increases. They're trying to cut down on expenses and make MultiChoice's services affordable.

In Canal+ Afrique territories, their packages are a lot cheaper and it was revealed by the French giant that MultiChoice charges way too much.

Getting back to the packages, MultiChoice offers both DStv and GOtv, and now under French hands there's a strong possibility that one of the two likely GOtv will be put out of its misery.

If the plan here is to make DStv affordable to a point where inflation is very minimal as seen with Canal+ Afrique. There really wouldn't be much need for a GOtv as it was structured by MultiChoice as lightweight or lower budget version of DStv.

If you're folding this structure on DStv possible case scenario here is that Canal+ opts to consolidate the two under one brand if not also opt to keep either DTT or DTH onboard.

Like I mentioned, there is a lot of overlapping between these two.

Take for instance, DStv Compact Plus and GOtv's most expensive offering Supa Plus both carry the same sporting events. Then there's DStv Compact and GOtv Supa/Max that offers a mix of local and international content. 

Followed by DStv Access and Family alongside GOtv Jolli and Jinja which are all aimed at families and kids with a couple of local channels and kids stuff.

All these packages are priced similarly and in the event this restructure takes place it's less likely that Canal+ will try to make these packages rival each other. They've already decapitated Showmax after criticising MultiChoice for making it rival with DStv.

If I had to guess how this could as well pan out maybe Canal+ will merge DStv Compact+ and GOtv Supa Plus with DStv Premium. They've made a majority of channels on these packages accessible to DStv Compact and GOtv Supa customers.

Then there's DStv Family and GOtv Max maybe Canal+ will look to merge that with DStv Compact and GOtv Supa. Just like DStv Premium, MultiChoice has made a couple of channels viewable on there and I mean the entire kids and music lineup.

This would leave DStv Access and GOtv Jinja/Jolli I'm expecting for this to go unscatched considering the pricing and the fact there's minimal overlaps with other DStv and GOtv packages.

Canal+ Dumps DStv Delicious Festival Due To Aggressive Cost Cutting At MultiChoice

The Sunday World newspaper, citing sources, reports that Canal+ has decided to dump the DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival as part of Canal+'s drastic and aggressive ongoing cost-cutting at MultiChoice.

The DStv Delicious Festival, that's been often-criticised in past editions, started in 2013 and held its 12th one in September at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.

DStv Delicious as a subscriber retention, potential upsell and marketing event, focused on the DStv mass-market and combined music acts, including international artists, with a food marketplace as a culinary showcase, combined with a fashion display component that involved local South African fashion designers.

Canal+ is now removing DStv as naming-rights sponsor with multiple sources who said that MultiChoice is done with its sponsorship of DStv Delicious.

Canal+ said that "Since tak­ing own­er­ship of Mul­tiChoice last year, Canal+ has put in place a stra­tegic plan to ensure a sus­tain­able future for the com­pany, put­ting it back on a path­way towards growth. This is essen­tial to ensure that con­sumers are able to con­tinue to enjoy com­pel­ling local and inter­na­tional con­tent on lead­ing plat­forms and that we can con­tinue to sup­port South Africa’s cre­at­ive indus­tries."

"We are proud to work with a broad eco­sys­tem of part­ners, includ­ing SMES and local pro­duc­tion houses, which are crit­ical to our busi­ness and to the growth of the cre­at­ive sec­tor across Africa."

"We remain com­mit­ted to the under­tak­ings we made dur­ing the acquis­i­tion pro­cess and are focused on build­ing a strong, sus­tain­able busi­ness to the bene­fit of South African con­sumers and cre­at­ives alike.

Less Brands, Less Confusion, More Simplicity, Cheaper Packages And Cheaper Decoders. - Canal+ S.A. On DStv

Canal+ unveiled its financial year results ending 31 March 2026 and gave some indicators on where things stand for them with MultiChoice. They acquired the company last year with plans to its rollout its streaming service in place of Showmax.

Unfortunately, Showmax will go dark by the end of April and Canal+ plans to move further shows onto DStv Stream as consumers await for their dedicated app.

Also on the cards is a further restructuring to the DStv services as it was mentioned by the company that MultiChoice way too much. Aside from DStv Premium to Easyview, there's also AddMovies, Insurance and the Explora Ultra.

Showmax formed part of this as it offered a Premier League subscription and a discounted rate for DStv consumers. With it being shuttered, this is one way they're trying to make simplier for consumers.

Canal+ plans to deploy a 1000 salespeople in MultiChoice markets and help them get commission if they're able to push DStv decoders to homes. It appears the focus has shifted toward their mass market or should I say lower paying consumers.

Not long ago, it was that Canal+ might have shelved yet to launch DStv Ultra decoder as it was deemed too expensive for the African market. These sales people aren't pushing Explora type decoders into Africa but DStv ones as they're affordable.

Some consumers probably noticed that Canal+ also brought down the prices to some of MultiChoice's services in the market. The plan is to duplicate this onto DStv packages across Africa and there's no word on how they plan to do all this.

According to Thinus Ferreira, Canal+ outlined it's plans as so: less brands, less confusion, more simplicity, cheaper packages and cheaper decoders.

If you look at how all of this is being worded out, the only way I can see them achieve this level of simplicity is to restructure DStv packages. There's massive overlaps between DStv Family and Compact as well as Premium and Compact+.

Maybe Canal+ will look to merge it's Compact+ and Premium offering into one package with Compact and Family forming the other. There had been talks since last year about unbundling SuperSport from the DStv offering maybe that will be factored in.

MultiChoice also offered a Chinese, Bollywood, French and Portuguese package. I'd imagine Canal+ would want to deploy Tout Canal+ in place of DStv French and likely scrap the Chinese package with further reductions to Bollywood and Portuguese.

In South Africa, MultiChoice even consolidated it's Portuguese offering onto remaining DStv packages. For all we know, Canal+ could look to duplicate this in more African countries. 

Canal+ May Look To Add Adult Entertainment Channels To MultiChoice's DStv

Almost a decade ago, StarSat served as one of the few pay-tv providers to offer adult entertainment channels to viewers in Africa. Before it's closure in South Africa, they had attempted to offer Hustlers TV and a bundle of channels until they got the axe.

Despite StarSat playing it safe ensuring it was only broadcast between 20:00 to 05:00, even requiring subscribers to add parental control to ensure minors don't have access to such material. The backlash and legal rambling wasn't enough to keep it on air.

ICASA was even involved throughout the whole process and even gave StarSat the greenlight to distribute the content as an add-on in South Africa.

MultiChoice at one point attempted to offer an adult entertainment channel and even did market research before going against it. Then again, their former CEO stated that some people misinterpreted the idea on how it would be distributed.

Now MultiChoice's new owners Canal+ is exploring the possibility of rolling out the following to DStv consumers:

* Hustler TV: Owned by the famous Hustler brand, this channel airs a mix of adult movies, including hardcore features and parodies.

* Vixen TV: This channel focuses on high-end, "cinematic" adult content that often has higher production values than typical adult films.

* Private TV: A long-standing European brand known for high-budget, "blockbuster" style adult movies with more of a focus on storytelling.

* Penthouse TV: Linked to the famous magazine, this channel typically features high-quality adult films and erotic specials. 

Canal+ Africa's CEO David Mignot stated Canal+ has always offered adult entertainment channels, but added that the idea is to comply with each country’s local regulations and sensitivities.

As mentioned, there's no laws that prohibit such content from being broadcast in South Africa as ICASA is involved throughout the whole process. But the backlash and legal rambling (or should I say "sensitivities") makes it a no no for South Africa.

Although some reports from late 2025 suggest certain adult sites had more viewers in South Africa than News24 whose peak comes during elections or national crises. 

More DStv Channels Coming Soon To Canal+ Afrique

Canal+ Afrique which serves as MultiChoice's French equivalent in Africa has distributed various DStv channels like Zee World, Studio Universal and Africa Magic Igbo. This is because MultiChoice was acquired by Canal+ Afrique's owners in late 2025.

This gave Canal+ Afrique access to M-Net's local archives as well as brands like Telemundo and Universal TV whose availability was exclusive to only MultiChoice consumers.

In exchange, MultiChoice was given access to Canal+'s local endeavours with Pulaayu and Zacu Entertainment alongside StudioCanal.

During the year, it was reported that Canal+ Afrique's DStv English Plus consumers had gained access to WWE, La Liga and Studio Universal. It appears that the broadcaster is looking to expand on this with Fishing TV, History and Comedy Central.

HISTORY: It broadcasts documentaries and shows about historical events, ancient civilizations, wars, mysteries, biographies, and factual entertainment.

Comedy Central: It specializes in comedy — stand-up specials, sitcoms (like South Park, The Office reruns, or local adaptations), sketch shows, and humorous series.

Fishing TV: A niche channel dedicated to fishing and angling. It features fishing shows, tutorials, documentaries, competitions, travel to fishing spots worldwide, and content for recreational anglers (freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing, etc.).

Canal+ is adding more sports channels 

Also on the cards is SuperSport Events, Variety, Africa 1 and 2 which builds onto speculation that Canal+ Afrique may be looking to distribute SuperSport's entire offering. This is due to Grandstand's presence on the platform.

MultiChoice distributes Grandstand exclusively to its top paying clients on DStv Premium. If it were to resurface on Canal+ Afrique perhaps a lot cheaper it would diminish the value for the brand.

S-Events: This is a sports events channel. It focuses on major live sports broadcasts, special events, and key matches or competitions (often football, rugby, or other high-profile games that don't fit on the main Canal+ Sport channel).

Grandstand: A dedicated sports channel, similar to "Grandstand" formats elsewhere (like SuperSport Grandstand). It provides extensive live sports coverage, multi-event switching, highlights, and analysis — ideal for following several games or tournaments at once.

Africa: This channel features African-focused content, including local and pan-African movies, series, music, cultural shows, news, and entertainment tailored to African audiences.

Africa 2: A companion to Africa, offering more African programming — often additional movies, series, or variety content from across the continent (sometimes with a slightly different emphasis, like more Nollywood-style films or regional shows).

Variety 1: A general entertainment and variety channel. It typically airs a mix of movies, series, talk shows, music, reality TV, and lighter programming for broad appeal.

Canal+ Madagascar shared the news on their social platforms on April 1st (APRIL FOOLS) before taking it down and I doubt Canal+ would go through all that work and just lie. It could be that it was announced too early or they're still trying to finalize things.

DStv Stream Becomes The New Home To Showmax Originals

At a glance:

• Showmax Originals move to DStv Stream, bringing streaming, live TV and sport together in one app

• DStv Compact, Compact Plus and Premium customers already have access to thousands of hours of Showmax Originals on DStv Stream 

• Showmax subscribers to get trial access to DStv Stream Compact until end May

• Stay active on Stream and continue at $6 per month for 12 months – up to 75% off standard pricing

DStv has announced that eligible Showmax subscribers will receive trial access to DStv Stream Compact for a limited period, as part of the move to a single streaming home on DStv Stream.

This move brings Showmax Originals together with live TV, sport and a broader range of entertainment in one app. After the trial period, qualifying customers can continue on DStv Stream Compact at a special price of $6 per month for 12 months, provided the subscription remains active throughout and payments are up to date.

The offer gives Showmax customers access to a significantly expanded content experience, including international series and movies, kids’ content and live sport via SuperSport, available on mobile devices and smart TVs. DStv Stream also includes features such as Watch From Start, offline downloads and data management tools.

The business priority is to ensure customers continue to have a home for the stories they love. By bringing thousands of hours of Showmax Originals and a deeper on-demand library into DStv Stream, we are creating a more holistic experience where live sport, news, the best international content and award-winning local drama live together.

DStv Compact, Compact Plus and Premium customers will benefit from access to Showmax content on DStv Stream at no additional cost.

How the trial access works

Eligible Showmax subscribers will receive trial access to DStv Stream Compact until the end of May. The offer and details on how to take up the offer will be communicated directly via the email address linked to their Showmax account.

After the trial period, customers can continue on DStv Stream Compact at $6 per month for 12 months, provided payments remain up to date.

The offer applies to qualifying customers, including Showmax subscribers who do not have an active DStv subscription and who subscribe directly to Showmax. It excludes existing DStv customers who already receive Showmax content as part of their package or who add Showmax to their DStv bill.

• Eligibility is confirmed via email sent to the Showmax account address

• Includes all Showmax plans, including Showmax Premier League

• Eligible customers receive free access until end May, then pay $6 per month for 12 months – a saving of up to 75% compared to standard DStv • Compact Stream pricing – as long as payments remain up to date.

• Standard pricing for DStv Stream Compact is from $32 per month.

Showmax subscriptions will not migrate automatically. Customers who wish to continue watching will need to follow the simple sign-up process for DStv Stream shared via email, and create a new profile, all of which takes less than five minutes.

Customers who choose not to move to DStv Stream may request a refund for any unused portion of their Showmax subscription, subject to standard terms and conditions. Autopayments to Showmax will stop automatically once the service is discontinued.

The Showmax platform will be discontinued on 30 April 2026, with Showmax Originals continuing on DStv Stream.

What to watch on DStv Stream

Alongside thousands of hours of Showmax Originals, look out for the highly anticipated true-crime series, The People vs VBS, which is available to binge on DStv Stream from 1 April, as well as the finale of Die Kantoor, the Afrikaans adaptation of the global sensation mockumentary, The Office, coming 14 April. Law, Love and Betrayal will continue weekly episodes of the thrilling legal drama, and football lovers can livestream the epic Soweto Derby, on a big screen, on 26 April on DStv Stream.

MultiChoice Might Be Looking To Revive The 1Max Channel As Showmax Cutoff Date Draws Near

After Canal+'s MultiChoice decided to shutter the struggling Showmax streaming service in the African market by the end of April. It looks like 1Max could be making a comeback to DStv likely as a pop-up channel.

Canal+ is in the process of deploying its own streaming service in MultiChoice territories as Showmax gets consolidated under DStv Stream. The plan is to have a dedicated section for the former streamer and make it accessible to Compact.

A test card for 1Max had been spotted through DStv Stream and in an enquiry to MultiChoice only responded to say "more content will be added on".

If anyone has to guess, MultiChoice is probably planning to revive 1Max to promote this dedicated section on DStv Stream. It might also serve as some tribute channel seeing as Showmax will be going dark soon.

MultiChoice had begun moving remaining Showmax Originals to Mzansi Magic, KykNET and Africa Magic. It's likely that the relaunched 1Max will lean toward Showmax's older library of content.

By the time Canal+ deploys it's streaming app, don't be surprised if 1Max disappeared again and this section on DStv Stream. Then again, Canal+ could morph this into a TV channel for its streaming app when it goes live later in the year.

Could Siyaya TV Be Looking To Debut Another TV Channel On DStv?

Since last month, MultiChoice had begun test running a duplicate feed to Moja 9.9. on DStv platforms. The channel is known for airing older seasons to shows on Moja Love including X-Repo, Uyajola 9/9 and Kasi-2-Kasi.

Of course, the version MultiChoice had been test running for DStv households has a separate feed to the current Moja 9.9. It does lead to us wonder if Siyaya TV could as well be looking to build up localised feed if not rollout a separate channel.

MultiChoice has a bunch of TV channels with localised feeds including M-Net, M-Net Movies 1, TLC, Zee World, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

It's kind of alarming that there's a separate feed to Moja 9.9. in development if anything it would have made more sense if it was Moja Love. As its usually flagship brands that get this type of 5 star treatment not subordinates.

Maybe Moja 9.9. is just serving as a placeholder for the actual channel that MultiChoice is looking to add soon. It's also possible that this channel may never launch as Media24's Via went through a similar scenario a few years back.

Canal+ Might Look To Reduce Local Commentary At SuperSport

As some people may have heard, the Competition Commission is monitoring Canal+ following it's acquisition of MultiChoice in 2025. This includes the company's decision to shut down Showmax with voluntarily retrenchments also underway.

According to Rapport, there's growing fear amongst the media that Canal+ could look to reduce local commentary at SuperSport. This is because the French giant can't retrench staff and are looking for ways to save money.

One way they could look to save up on costs is by scrapping Afrikaans commentary during cricket matches. Especially if there's not much people using this option when the games are broadcast.

Not long ago, Solidarity had questioned SuperSport, on its decision for not providing Afrikaans commentary for the New Zealand series. Their claim was later rebuffed after it was revealed that no local commentary was done at all.

This was because of the low viewership count for these matches and even when they do broadcast matches with SA teams. It's normal for some matches to not be dubbed while others that do usually cover several local languages.

There was also concerns about Canal+ scaling back on locally produced shows for more dubbed series as seen with the American drama, Landman. 

It was stated by them that it would make no sense in scaling back this offering as it serves as a core component in their strategy. Making Landman available in Afrikaans only helps broaden the reach of this offering to more consumers.

Development Alert: Zee Dunia, A Swahili Dubbed Bollywood Channel Will Also Be Added To MultiChoice's DStv

Not long ago, it was reported that MultiChoice will be adding Sporty TV to DStv platforms soon most likely in Kenya. As the channel is already distributed on eMedia Investments' Openview platform for viewers in South Africa.

Now it looks like MultiChoice will be adding another TV channel to DStv platforms soon, Zee Dunia.

Zee Dunia is a Swahili and English dubbed Bollywood channel operated by ZEE Africa. It offers  storytelling with dramas, romance, action, family shows, movies, local programs, and international news since 2025.

Zee Dunia will be joining Zee TV, Zee Alem, Zee World, Zee Magic, Zee Bollymovies, Zee One and Zee Zonke list of channels to be 

It is broadcast on free-to-air platforms like Pang and Signet in Kenya, plus live streaming on its official YouTube channel. It is aimed mainly at Kenyan audiences so there's no doubt that Zee Dunia is aimed at East Africa as seen with Maisha Moto.

Compared to Zee Zonke, most of Zee Dunia's content had already been seen on Zee World. This includes Begusarai, Curse Of The Sands and Zara's Nikah with the only real exceptions being Marafiki Milele and Maisha Yangu Mdundo Wangu.

MultiChoice Might Be Adding Sporty TV To DStv Consumers In Some African Countries

Sporty TV is a 24/7 free-to-air sports channel operated by Sporty Group, known for SportyBET. It positions itself as a "home of premium football" for African audiences, offering a mix of live matches, highlights, and specialized sports programming.

Since last year, it had been distributed on eMedia Investments' Openview platform offering a variety of events from Premier League, La Liga and Serie A. Most of which is already accessible via MultiChoice and Canal+ Afrique consumers.

Now it looks like MultiChoice might be adding Sporty TV soon but not to DStv customers in South Africa and probably most of Africa. As tests for this channel has been labelled as Sporty TV Kenya.

Why would MultiChoice want with Sporty TV as it a majority of content is on SuperSport?

But my understanding in this regard is that Canal+ took control of the company since September 2025 and stripped SuperSport of its decision making in Randburg as all of this is now done in Paris.

Post the takeover, Canal+ has been very vocal about the difference in strategies between both parties. 

MultiChoice offered Africa's leading streaming service Showmax which rivalled with it's DStv offering and cost the company billions in losses. Canal+ was all about alignment with it's content spread across platforms.

The same could be said about Canal+'s procurement of content they've done deals with Sky Sport, Bein Sport and DAZN. MultiChoice tried piling up these duties under SuperSport and that never panned out when ESPN first exited the African space.

You can only assume with the addition of Sporty TV, Canal+ has taken up a new approach in procuring content for MultiChoice customers. Canal+ is more focused on leveraging of existing IPs while MultiChoice wanted to be that have it all company.

More Details Regarding The Possible Expansion Of SuperSport Play On DStv

During the month, it was reported that MultiChoice might be looking to add SuperSport Play to its DStv decoders. For sometime, MultiChoice limited the channel's reach to its Free-To-View subscribers on the soon to be revamped DStv Stream app.

We assume due to Canal+'s takeover in 2025, they're basically cleaning house and assessing some of the poor decisions made by MultiChoice. In this case, it could as well be the availability of SuperSport Play.

SuperSport Play is basically a mashup of SuperSport Grandstand and Variety 4 as it sources mainly highlights and local content from SuperSport's premium sports channels. It tends to air replays to certain sporting events.

Unlike Variety 4, SuperSport Play doesn't have any live or first run content which made it the ideal channel for DStv Stream's Easyview customers.

Not long ago, MultiChoice had begun work on another SuperSport channel for DStv consumers. Initially, they used the feed for one of the Variety channels but overtime it had been replaced with a separate feed not accessible on their website.

For any future additions, usually there's some programme guide but for this one it's not the case.

From what I could gather, Reel Africa and World Of Freesports are on the lineup alongside highlights to NASCAR and International Cricket. It should be noted that none of these are seen on SuperSport Play's programme guide during that time.

But what led us to believe that it could have something to do with the channel mainly had to deal with the lineup. 

As mentioned, SuperSport Play very much like Variety 4 revolves on highlights and local content which is the case for this channel. We can only assume that maybe a linear version is starting to take shape as it's now spotted on Lyngsat.

SuperSport Play also took some of its content from SuperSport Blitz and Schools and maybe this version would have that content omitted. Seeing as Blitz and Schools are already available on Easyview.

But again this channel is in its early stages and more could be added overtime and who knows it could be a pop-up. I have doubts cause no pop-up would be airing Reel Africa as MultiChoice has its Variety channels for that.

Canal+ Aiming To Launch Showmax Replacement App Under DStv Stream In MultiChoice Markets

Canal+ unveiled its financial year results ending 31 December 2025 and gave some indicators on what awaits MultiChoice after completing it's acquisition last year. 

As reported earlier in the month, Showmax will be shutting down its operations after 11 years. The news doesn't come as a surprise and it was long speculated after MultiChoice shortened the window for shows exclusively for Showmax through DStv. 

Now the French giant plans to use to the existing footprint of DStv Stream to expand its streaming endeavours in MultiChoice territories. This service has already been active in 25 African countries and will likely go live by the end of 2026.

“As you know, this was a severely loss-making activity on which we saw no recovery, no matter what was done,” the CEO said.

Saada explained that Canal+ quickly came to an agreement with Comcast to shut down Showmax as soon as possible, but said he couldn’t share details on the negotiations.

During their financial year presentation, Canal+ confirmed that Comcast was on board with the decision to end it's joint venture for Showmax. Of course, they didn't want to divulge on the details except promising enhancements to DStv Stream.

Saada explained that Canal+ quickly came to an agreement with Comcast to shut down Showmax as soon as possible, but said he couldn’t share details on the negotiations.

They also plan to migrate existing Showmax customers to DStv Stream and have shows like Die Kantoor and Youngins accessible to viewers.

What is currently unknown is when this service will be released but it's likely slated for 2026 considering that Showmax will be discontinued in the "near future" according to their release.

Of course another challenge would be the pricing because consumers were billed R45 to R99 monthly for Showmax while Premium subscribers got it at no additional charge. Under DStv Stream, the price range for affected content is over R400 per month.

Canal+ Might Overhaul The Current DStv Structure And Take A Dig At SuperSport

As it is understood, MultiChoice has lost almost 3 million DStv subscribers in the last two years and this is the reason Canal+ is backing out from further price increases. The focus has shifted on returning the company back to its 2023 projections.

Post the takeover, MultiChoice reportedly had 23.5 million 90 day active subscribers and this dropped further by 11% to 18.5 million. In South Africa, the DStv Premium base (including Compact+) saw a drop of 96,000 subscribers.

Since last year, MultiChoice had been exploring the possibility of unbundling SuperSport from the current DStv offering to make the costs flexible. This isn't the first time such experiment occurred and it's not known why they hadn't pursued it earlier on.

In France, Canal+ already offers the Canal+ Sport bouquet which includes sports from rival brands like DAZN and Eurosport. There's even a base package with select sports like UEFA Champions League, Formula 1 and Moto GP.

It is currently priced at €34.99 (R671, 89).

Of course, it's Canal+ Afrique's operations uses the same model as DStv which is why there's a lot of skepticism about a SuperSport only package. Canal+ CEO had dismissed the idea stating that "everyone who has tried this has failed". 

If such exists, it's going to be almost as pricey as your current DStv Premium bouquet. It's less likely they're going to make it cheaper as the current DStv structure helps subsidies the costs.

This new structure MultiChoice has been testing out for DStv will only benefit the non sports fanatics on lower tiered packages.

DStv Premium has been in decline for 10 years so it's a safe bet that MultiChoice will gradually use this offering to phase out that market. The plan for this offering was to have 3 sports package one for football with other sports on another package.

There's plenty of Premium subscribers that don't watch football and MultiChoice would give them the option to exclude it from their offering. They'll be times where you don't feel like watching SuperSport and MultiChoice would make that possible too.

In the end, you as a Premium client can continue catching shows like Landman and Doc on M-Net while watching One Piece on Netflix. You can do all this for under R700 and still have R300 to yourself.

DStv Stream Expected To Merge Into Showmax Replacement App

Canal+ is planning to launch its own streaming service in MultiChoice markets as consumers bid farewell to Showmax. Further content from the service will now be redirected to M-Net, Mzansi Magic and KykNET.

Canal+'s streaming service which might fold under DStv Stream, viewers get to watch live TV and content on demand. They plan is to also utilise other apps such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video with VIU likely to form part of this duo.

This was a feature MultiChoice made exclusive to Explora Ultra and since Canal+ takeover in late 2025, the company is cleaning house. They already scrapped M-Net's contract with HBO as well as that of SuperSport for the Winter Olympics.

In October 2025, Canal+ leadership indicated plans to merge DStv Stream, Showmax, and the Canal+ app into a single "super app" to combine content and reduce costs. As seen already, Showmax with all that Comcast filter is going out the window.

As mentioned, Canal+ will likely use the existing footprint of DStv Stream to expand its streaming ambitions as opposed to starting from scratch. It fits well with the company's structure on having the same content viewed across multiple platforms.

Of course, the problem part of retaining the DStv structure would be costs as Showmax would give you the freshest content for under R99 while on DStv you need at R500. Unless Canal+ has a backup plan consumers might not be persuaded by this.

But then again, MultiChoice was in discussion about possibly unbundling it's DStv offering with SuperSport serving as an add-on or standalone package. This would take the strain off paying R1000 for the full package.

Canal+ had deployed similar mechanisms in France where consumers would pay for select content and with the MultiChoice deal these endeavours are expected to accelerate.

Did Canal+ Blow It With The HBO Deal On DStv?

Not long ago, it was reported that DStv and Showmax subscribers will be losing out on The White Lotus and House Of Dragons as Canal+ is slashing costs at MultiChoice. As a result, all this content is now going to be curated for streaming.

This means DStv customers would wait for the latter to rollout on HBO Max which might be available in South Africa within the year. It is likely to be added onto the Explora Ultra alongside Netflix and Disney+.

A lot was riding on getting this deal on the table, it wasn't only the future of The Sopranos on M-Net at stake but that of Cartoon Network. MultiChoice was open to replacing but the reality is there's no real alternative to any of Warner's cable networks.

Cartoon Network alone is responsible for 49% of kids viewing on DStv while Cartoonito is the top rated kids channel on the family package. A replacement will most definitely not be able to recoup the figures by those brands.

Same goes for TLC, TNT and CNN as they're ranked #1 in their respective fields on DStv. Several scenarios do however come into play for the fall of HBO and Warner Bros. on M-Net.

Firstly, Canal+ deemed those as non viable but their road on DStv is not up yet just how it will distributed going forward. If Netflix bid for Warner Bros. succeeds that's where it's likely to end up another as mentioned would be HBO Max.

Another has to deal with the decline of DStv, M-Net losing out on HBO will definitely lead some to end their subscription. But it wouldn't be as impactful or massive as the loss of 12 TV channels alongside the 4 closed by Paramount.

DStv Premium has been a sinking ship post the pandemic and even before Canal+'s acquisition of MultiChoice. M-Net can't fight the streaming wars it does however have the edge over Universal TV and Comedy Central in its primetime offering.

But a majority of people nowadays would rather watch these shows on Netflix then pay R1000 to get them on DStv. It's not M-Net's fault but rather one of the various setbacks to linear TV.

Is The 24 Hour WWE Channel Going Dark On DStv?

During the month, it was reported that WWE would be streaming on Netflix in April for viewers across Africa, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. This comes ahead of WrestleMania 42 which is scheduled to broadcast on April 18.

The question on some people's minds right now is about the fate of WWE on SuperSport. As it was understood, MultiChoice had an existing agreement which was scheduled or so we thought to expire in 2027 with the latter consolidated under Netflix.

But after Netflix sent notice to viewers, we reached out to them (even WWE) for further confirmation on the matter and this was their response.

 

Starting on 1 April 2026, WWE content will be exclusively available on Netflix.

SuperSport was asked several times about WWE's move to Netflix and whether this would lead to the removal of its content on SuperSport as well as the cancellation of the 24 hour channel and Jambo WWE.

First response: There's no confirmation at this stage 

Last response: No, it is not leaving 

During the year, MultiChoice widened the reach of the 24 hour WWE channel to its DStv Access consumers alongside Trace Gospel and Trace Ngoma. Canal+ Afrique currently distributes the WWE channel to consumers in French markets.