WorldStage— French media giant CANAL+ and its African pay-TV subsidiary MultiChoice have announced a sweeping, continent-wide restructuring of DStv subscription packages.
Set to take effect on November 5, 2026, the overhaul introduces a simplified package tier system and lowered subscription rates in key markets including Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.
In Nigeria, the revised structure is scheduled to take effect on November 5, 2026, with new Sports package expected to include every English Premier League and UEFA Champions League match, alongside other sporting content previously reserved for higher priced packages.
Under the new “Expect More” campaign, the companies are streamlining their legacy bouquets into four core subscription tiers in major Sub-Saharan African countries: Starter, Select, Sports, and an upgraded Ultimate tier (which rebrands the traditional DStv Premium package).
In markets like Nigeria, specific price points have been established for the transition, with the Starter package set at ₦6,000, Select at ₦11,000, and a dedicated Sports package priced at ₦21,000—the latter notably bundling live access to Premier League and UEFA Champions League fixtures.
Meanwhile, MultiChoice Ghana has rolled out a matching structure starting at GH¢50 for Starter up to GH¢570 for the full Ultimate bundle.
In Kenya, the announced monthly prices are KSh750 for Starter, KSh1,500 for Select, KSh3,000 for Sports and KSh7,300 for Ultimate. The restructuring also expands access to selected football matches on lower-tier packages.
Industry analysts view the aggressive price cuts and tier reductions as a strategic maneuver to combat mounting customer churn and stiff competition from online streaming platforms, YouTube channels, and illegal streaming services.
Following CANAL+’s acquisition and push for operational cost-efficiency, the new model addresses long-standing subscriber complaints over rigid, expensive bundling—particularly regarding sports content.
By slashing entry and mid-tier costs, CANAL+ and MultiChoice hope to reclaim lost viewers, stabilize subscriber bases, and make legal satellite television financially viable amid persistent economic pressures across the continent.
The changes form part of CANAL+ and MultiChoice’s broader Expect More strategy, which aims to simplify subscription choices, improve perceived value and attract customers amid pressure on household spending and competition from alternative entertainment services.
The companies are also promising enhanced movie offerings and continued investment in African productions.
The new pricing represents a significant shift in DStv’s commercial approach, particularly where subscribers can access major sporting competitions at lower subscription levels.
However, package names, prices and channel lineups differ between countries, so subscribers should confirm the applicable rates through their local DStv service before changing packages.
