Canal+ Strips SuperSport’s Power, Delays Local Shows In DStv Cost Blitz

The new French owners of MultiChoice are moving swiftly to cut costs, stripping SuperSport of its sports-buying power, delaying local production deals, and signalling a leaner future for DStv that has industry veterans warning of cultural missteps and competitive vulnerability.

Since completing its USD 3 B acquisition of MultiChoice in September 2025, Groupe Canal+ has made clear that Showmax’s mounting losses—EUR 370 M over three years—are “not acceptable” and plans cutbacks on the streaming endeavour. But the austerity drive extends far beyond streaming, touching every corner of the business.

SuperSport, long the crown jewel of South African pay-TV, has lost its autonomy over sports content acquisition, according to insiders. Decisions about which events to carry are now made directly by Canal+’s chief content officer in Paris.

The impact is already visible. For the first time in decades, DStv subscribers cannot watch the Winter Olympics, currently underway in Italy, despite South Africa sending its largest-ever team to the Games. SuperSport confirmed it “did not acquire the broadcast rights,” pointing to a content strategy focused on “the most-watched sporting codes”. World Darts Championship coverage has also been dropped.

The shift comes as Canal+ targets over EUR 400 M in annual cost synergies by 2030, with EUR 80 M already secured for 2026 through content renegotiations, supplier consolidation, and refinancing MultiChoice’s debt at lower rates.

The cuts are also hitting South African production houses. Contracts for local series and soaps on kykNET and Mzansi Magic are piling up unsigned at Canal+ headquarters in Paris, with suppliers told to expect tougher terms.

kykNET remains the most valuable channel for South African advertisers by some measures, reaching affluent audiences that command premium ad rates. Canal+’s cost-cutting risks undermining that relationship.

Canal+ has committed not to cut South African staff for three years, but with 2.8 million linear subscribers lost since 2023 and revenue under pressure, the pressure to deliver savings is intense.

For now, the message from Paris is cheaper content, tighter control, and a willingness to walk away from expensive rights. Whether that formula preserves DStv’s relevance, or accelerates its decline, will depend on how well the new masters understand the market they now command.