MultiChoice Considers Sports-Only Package Following Major Subscriber Loss

Facing a loss of 1.4 million subscribers in Nigeria due to economic hardship, MultiChoice is considering a new sports-only package to regain its market share.

MultiChoice Group, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, is considering the introduction of a sports-only subscription package in response to a steep decline in its customer base, particularly in Nigeria.

Over the past two years, the pay-TV operator has lost approximately 1.4 million subscribers in Nigeria alone. The company attributes the decline to worsening economic conditions, including rising inflation and energy costs, which have significantly reduced household spending power.

“As households are struggling to make ends meet, many had no choice but to give up their DStv subscription for the time being,” the company stated in its latest financial report.

Nigeria accounted for 77% of the total subscriber losses across all African markets in which MultiChoice operates. The figures highlight the disproportionate impact of the country’s economic challenges on the company’s regional performance.

To address the situation and recapture market share, MultiChoice is exploring the launch of a new, focused subscription package that will include only sports content. Chief Executive Officer Calvo Mawela revealed the plan during an interview on Thursday, June 12, a day after the company disclosed a \$45 million (800 million rand) loss.

“As part of our product offering, we have always had this project that we ran every year where we look at our packaging structures, similar to what Sky did some years back where they had a basic package, they had a sports package on the side, and they had a general entertainment package on the side,” Mawela said.

He explained that a significant number of subscribers opt for the premium package solely to access sports content and then cancel their subscriptions when major sporting seasons end. “We’re considering all options as part of a broader product offering going forward,” he added, noting that a final decision on the sports-only package is expected within the 2025 financial year.

The company is also facing growing competition from global streaming platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, which offer more affordable and flexible viewing options, contributing to the shift in consumer behavior.

Additionally, MultiChoice has been under public scrutiny for implementing a subscription price increase despite regulatory warnings. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) had directed the company to suspend the hike pending investigation, but MultiChoice went ahead with the changes, sparking backlash from customers.

Meanwhile, local competition is beginning to emerge. SLTV, a Nigerian-owned satellite television provider, has been recognized by public figures as a viable alternative for local audiences. It has been praised for its potential role in enhancing access to information and supporting socio-economic development.

As MultiChoice navigates these challenges, the proposed sports-only package may serve as a strategic move to stabilize its subscriber base and align more closely with evolving viewer preferences.
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