End of DStv Sports Monopoly
Is this the end of DStv Sports Monopoly? Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s sports minister, wants MultiChoice’s DStv to break its monopoly on live sports through SuperSport.
If the broadcasters and the minister can’t come to an agreement so that all South Africans can watch their national sports teams, the minister threatens to “go to war” with them.
Live matches involving the national cricket and rugby teams have been part of the sports rights that eMedia and the SABC have been fighting against MultiChoice‘s monopoly.
These events can only be aired via the pay-TV network.
At a press conference on July 18th, McKenzie sent a “friendly warning” to the networks, stating that it is unfair for a single network to control access to national team competitions.
“The national team doesn’t belong to MultiChoice or SABC or E-tv. None of them should act like the national team belongs to them,” the minister stated.
“I’m not going to be an enabler of the majority of our people not being able to watch the national rugby team or soccer team.”
The minister had before declared that he would go to war with the broadcasters if it meant that more South Africans could watch their national sports teams, though he had framed his statements as a kindly threat.
“There exists legislation — which has never been used — that prevents them from engaging in the current action that they are engaging in,” said McKenzie.
“I intend to fully use that legislation. We are meeting with them. As we say we come in peace, but if they want war, they will get war.”
“I will make sure that South Africans can all watch,” he added.
McKenzie’s remarks bring to light a big issue with MultiChoice’s exclusive broadcasting rights for a number of sports: the fact that many South Africans cannot afford its DStv bundles.

At now, the top-tier DStv Premium, which costs R929 for satellite viewers and R799 for its streaming viewers, is the only way to get the complete spectrum of SuperSport channels. Low-tier DStv subscriptions do not have access to all of these channels.
Costs make these channels unaffordable for most people in South Africa.
There has been some tension recently between eMedia, the SABC, and MultiChoice over who gets to air live Springbok and Proteas rugby and cricket tournaments.
The offer to air Springbok rugby test matches against Ireland on Openview was turned down by MultiChoice in July 2024 by eMedia, owner of E-tv. According to the DStv owner, the offer was set too low.
It was shortly after eMedia had stated the inverse that the rejection occurred.
“eMedia made a significant financial offer to MultiChoice to broadcast the Irish rugby Pretoria and Durban test matches, which MultiChoice inexplicably rejected,” it said.
The fact that MultiChoice only invited bids from free-to-air broadcasters for sub-licensing rights slightly more than one month prior to the tournament’s start was another point of contention for eMedia.
It indicated that bidders would probably not get confirmation until fewer than two weeks before kickoff due to the tender’s late posting.
“eMedia views the issuing of these late invitations to tender by MultiChoice as undermining fair competition and ignoring a recent Competition Tribunal order designed to prevent such restrictive practices,” it said.
The media outlet also released a statement denying that the South African Rugby Union (Saru) was the aggressor in the debate.
In response to the SABC’s announcement that it will not be airing the matches, Saru made a statement. This decision followed immediate legal action by the SABC in the Competition Appeal Court regarding the rights.
Not much was said by the SABC, but it was probably about the dispute between MultiChoice and eMedia about the sub-licensing cost for free-to-air sports broadcasting rights.
The pay-TV operator MultiChoice was prevented from showing matches on channels it offers to Openview by an interdict that eMedia had secured. The restrictions in the sub-licensing contracts had previously barred the SABC from airing these matches.
Frequently Asked Questions On The End of DStv Sports Monopoly
1. What is the DStv sports monopoly?
A: DStv has historically held exclusive rights to broadcast major sporting events in many African countries, limiting viewer options.
2. Why is there a push to end the DStv sports monopoly?
A: The monopoly has led to high subscription costs, limited access for many, and reduced competition in the sports broadcasting industry.
3. How is the end of the DStv sports monopoly affecting the sports industry?
A: The end of the monopoly is increasing competition, leading to lower subscription costs, more diverse sports content, and potentially higher quality broadcasts.
4. How will the end of the DStv monopoly benefit consumers?
A: Consumers will have more options for watching sports, potentially lower subscription costs, and access to a wider range of sports content.
5. What challenges might consumers face during this transition?
A: Consumers may experience temporary disruptions in service or increased costs as new sports broadcasters establish themselves.
6. How can consumers choose the best sports package?
A: Comparing packages, prices, and content offered by different providers is essential for making an informed decision.
7. How is the end of the DStv monopoly affecting sports rights?
A: The end of the monopoly is leading to a more competitive market for sports rights, with multiple broadcasters bidding for events.
8. What are the challenges for new sports broadcasters entering the market?
A: New entrants face challenges in acquiring sports rights, building distribution networks, and attracting subscribers.
9. How will the end of the monopoly impact sports sponsorship and advertising?
A: Increased competition for viewers could lead to new opportunities for sports sponsorship and advertising.
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