MultiChoice on Monday announced the acquisition of two 24-hour ESPN channels, a move that further enhances DStv’s sports package that already boasts of world-class content including Premier League TV and WWE broadcasted via the Supersport channels.
In a joint statement on Monday, MultiChoice announced the signing of an agreement with Walt Disney Africa which will allow the South African broadcaster the rights to ESPN 1 and ESPN 2 which will start airing on July 29, 2020.
The two channels cover every major US sport as well as European football.
This means that subscribers will access extra National Basketball Association (NBA), National Football League (NFL), National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Baseball (MLB) action.
Subscribers will also be able to access English Football League (EFL), Scottish Premier Football League (SPFL), Dutch Eredivisie, Major League Soccer (MLS) matches as well as West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations and featured boxing tournaments and events.
The NBA returns from the COVID-19 forced break on July, 31 when the LA Lakers renew their city rivalry with the LA Clippers as Orlando Magic take on The Brooklyn Nets.
The Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season will also take prominence on ESPN, with fixtures between the Oakland Athletics and Colorado Rockies (July 29), and a tripleheader for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees from 1-3 August.
During last month’s financial results announcement, MultiChoice reaffirmed its commitment to continue expanding its market share by luring customers with premium content.
“ We are unwavering in our commitment to ensure that we continue to find the best available content to delight our customers, both now and into the future. We endeavour to deliver both world-class international content as well as the very best in local content, giving our loyal customers a never-ending selection of outstanding entertainment,” said MultiChoice Group CEO, Calvo Mawela.
“From reliving the greatest moments in sports history to seeing those moments being made, ESPN’s content and unique personality will be a complementary addition to MultiChoice Group’s sports offering,” said Christine Service, Senior Vice President and Country Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa. “We are thrilled to be bringing the achievements and triumphs of both international and local athletes, our quality storytelling and innovative programming to a whole new audience of sports fans in Africa.”
Together with the live sports programming, viewers will also be able to catch up on the very latest films, TV series, news, talk shows and highlights from ESPN’s sports documentaries and studio programming.
“ ESPN is equally well-known for its dedication to great storytelling, something we as Africa’s most-loved storyteller can identify with,” concluded Mawela.
