DSTV announces sports-only package launch amid subscriber losses
Photo of DStv sports-only package with satellite dish. Photo Credit- Asexual Doctor/X
MultiChoice Group, the parent company of DSTV, has revealed plans to launch a sports-only subscription package following a significant loss of 1.4 million subscribers in Nigeria over the past two years, according to its audited results for the financial year ending March 31, 2025. The announcement comes as the pay-TV giant grapples with a 44% revenue drop to $197.74 million, as reported by TheStar.ng, amid Nigeria’s challenging economic climate.
The decision follows a broader decline in DSTV’s subscriber base across Africa, dropping from 23 million to 19.3 million in less than two years, with 77% of the losses attributed to Nigeria due to high inflation reaching 23.71% in April 2025, per the National Bureau of Statistics and economic hardships. CEO Calvo Mawela highlighted in a Reuters interview that the new package aims to retain customers who primarily subscribe for sports content, a strategy inspired by similar moves by Sky.
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The launch coincides with a surge in alternative viewing options, with DSTV Stream usage rising by 48% and Showmax subscribers increasing by 44%, reflecting a growing preference for over-the-top (OTT) platforms. Industry trends show 65% of African youth favoring streaming services, according to a 2023 Journal of Media Economics study, while free football apps like ESPN are gaining traction, as noted by imyfone.com. An image circulating on X, posted by @Choji_ES on June 14, 2025, shows a DSTV dish and decoder package, fueling speculation about the impending rollout.
MultiChoice’s pivot to a sports-only package is seen as a strategic response to retain its dwindling audience, though analysts warn that without competitive pricing—current packages remain a financial burden for many—DSTV may struggle to reverse the trend. The company has not yet disclosed pricing or a launch date for the new offering.
