The French media giant Canal+ has completed its takeover of MultiChoice, immediately stripping SuperSport of its independent broadcasting rights acquisition power, according to multiple reports emerging from South Africa. The move, finalized in September 2025 after a 35 billion rand (approximately US$2.03 billion) deal announced in June 2024, centralizes content decisions in Paris and has already led to the removal of some sporting events from DStv’s lineup.
Insiders report that Canal+’s chief content officer now directly controls which events SuperSport carries, ending decades of independent negotiation by the South African broadcaster. This shift has prompted concern within the industry, with some observers warning of a less competitive market and potential cost increases for consumers. The acquisition, which saw Canal+ increase its stake from 46% to effectively full control, was met with regulatory approval earlier in February 2026.
The immediate impact of the restructuring is visible in DStv’s programming. For the first time in decades, South African viewers are unable to watch the Winter Olympics, currently underway in Italy. SuperSport confirmed it “did not acquire the broadcast rights,” citing a content strategy focused on “the most-watched sporting codes.” Coverage of the World Darts Championship has also been dropped. These decisions align with Canal+’s stated goal of achieving over EUR 400 million in annual cost synergies by 2030, with EUR 80 million targeted for 2026 through content renegotiations and debt refinancing.
The takeover extends beyond sports programming. Canal+ is also reportedly delaying local production deals as part of its broader austerity drive. Showmax, MultiChoice’s streaming service, is under particular scrutiny, with Canal+ executives deeming its losses of EUR 370 million over three years “not acceptable.” The focus on cost-cutting has led to warnings from industry veterans about potential “cultural missteps” and a weakening of DStv’s competitive position.
MultiChoice, which boasts over 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries, had long been a dominant force in sub-Saharan African sports broadcasting, securing rights to major events including the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and various rugby and cricket tournaments. The centralization of these decisions in Paris represents a significant change in the regional broadcasting landscape.
As of February 18, 2026, neither Canal+ nor MultiChoice have publicly addressed specific concerns regarding the long-term impact of these changes on the breadth of sports coverage available to DStv subscribers.
