Disney+ Brings ESPN To South Africa As Live Sports Streaming Heats Up

Disney+ has just given South African sports fans a reason to sit up. The streaming giant has added ESPN and ESPN2 to its platform, bringing live games, global sports coverage, and award-winning documentaries straight into local living rooms. And the best part? It’s available at no extra cost to subscribers.

Why This Matters For Local Viewers

Until now, Disney+ in South Africa has been known mostly for its Marvel blockbusters, Star Wars sagas, and endless Pixar replays. But adding ESPN changes the game. Sports lovers will now be able to catch international leagues and tournaments alongside their favourite series and films.

Kyle de Klerk, sports director at The Walt Disney Company Africa, said the expansion gives subscribers more value, not only through live fixtures but also with ESPN’s acclaimed documentaries and round-the-clock sports news.

A Global Shift Reaches South Africa

This move reflects a bigger trend. Around the world, streaming platforms are racing to secure live sports rights. Amazon Prime Video has made Thursday Night Football a staple in the US, Apple TV+ streams baseball and football, and even Netflix has dipped its toes into the live sports experiment.

For South Africans, this means the shift from satellite TV to streaming is no longer just about movies and series. Sport, traditionally the stronghold of MultiChoice’s SuperSport, is now becoming part of the streaming mix.

How It Works

The new ESPN channels are available to both Disney+ Premium and Mobile plan customers. To watch, subscribers need to activate their 18+ content settings. Parents also have the option to set up parental controls and PIN codes to manage viewing.

Importantly, ESPN remains on DStv, so fans who still rely on traditional broadcasting won’t miss out. But for younger, mobile-first South Africans who are already cutting the cord, this could be the beginning of a bigger shift.

What’s Next

The addition of ESPN to Disney+ may not topple DStv just yet, but it signals where the market is heading. As more platforms chase after sports rights, South Africans could soon find themselves spoilt for choice, with streaming services competing to become the home of both drama series and derby matches.

For now, Disney+ subscribers can sit back, grab the remote, and enjoy the fact that the world’s biggest sporting moments are now just a click away.

{Source:Tech Central}

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