As competition in the streaming landscape heats up, MultiChoice Group is adjusting prices across its DStv satellite and Showmax streaming platforms in 2025.

While some packages are seeing slight increases, others, particularly for sports enthusiasts, are rising sharply. These changes reflect the company’s efforts to manage rising operational costs while retaining its dominance in the African pay-TV sector.

Football Fans Face the Biggest Hit

The most dramatic adjustment comes for Showmax Premier League subscribers, who will see a 43.5% increase. This specialised sports package will now cost approximately $5.45 (R99) per month, up from $3.80 (R69).

This sharp jump highlights the high cost of securing exclusive sports broadcasting rights and delivering premium content.

Other Showmax streaming packages are also affected but to a lesser extent:

Showmax Entertainment Mobile: Up 11.1%, rising from $2.48 (R45) to $2.75 (R50).
Showmax Entertainment Mobile + Premier League: Up 21.2%, from $5.45 (R99) to $6.61 (R120).
Showmax Entertainment + Premier League: Up 7.1%, increasing from $7.71 (R140) to $8.26 (R150).
Showmax (Standard): No change in pricing, offering some relief for general entertainment viewers.

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DStv Satellite Packages: Minor Changes

DStv subscribers will also face higher monthly costs, though most increases align with or remain below the current South African inflation rate.

Among satellite options, DStv Access experiences the steepest percentage hike of 7.9%, bringing the cost to $8.26 (R150) from $7.66 (R140).

Other notable DStv price changes include:

DStv Compact Plus: Up 6.5%, increasing from $34.12 (R620) to $36.33 (R660).
DStv Premium: Up 5.4%, rising from $51.21 (R930) to $53.97 (R980).
DStv Access Fee: Up 4.2%, moving from $6.61 (R120) to $6.89 (R125).
DStv EasyView: Up 3.4%, from $1.59 (R29) to $1.65 (R30).
DStv Family: Up 3%, increasing from $18.13 (R330) to $18.68 (R340).
DStv Compact: Up 2.1%, rising from $25.85 (R470) to $26.40 (R480).

Notably, DStv Stream packages remain unchanged, preserving an affordable option for subscribers who prefer digital-only access.

Balancing Price Hikes with Added Value

Despite these price increases, MultiChoice is introducing additional value to soften the blow. DStv Compact subscribers will receive new content channels, including:

SuperSport Action for combat sports such as mixed martial arts (MMA), WWE, boxing, and UCI cycling.
Africa Magic Showcase, CBS Justice, Curiosity, and History Channel are expanding entertainment and documentary options.

In a welcome move for movie lovers, the Add Movies Premium package has been reduced by 38%, bringing the monthly fee down to $2.70 (R49).

Byron du Plessis, CEO of MultiChoice South Africa, acknowledged the financial pressures on households. He emphasised the company’s effort to keep certain products, such as Showmax (standard) and DStv Stream packages, affordable while still offering enhanced viewing experiences.

Why Are Prices Increasing?

The price hikes reflect rising operational costs as MultiChoice contends with the financial burden of broadcasting premium content, particularly sports rights, which remain a major expenditure.

Moreover, the South African market is becoming more competitive, with global streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ expanding aggressively.

While MultiChoice remains a dominant player in African pay-TV, the challenge lies in balancing affordability with the rising cost of content acquisition and technological infrastructure to maintain quality service delivery.

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What This Means for Consumers

For subscribers, the new pricing means higher costs across most packages but also expanded content offerings. Consumers must weigh whether the additional channels and premium sports justify the increased monthly fees.

Those looking to cut costs may consider Showmax (Standard) or DStv Stream packages, which are not affected by the 2025 price adjustments. Meanwhile, sports fans face the most significant increases but also gain access to broader, adrenaline-filled programming.

Looking Ahead

As the African streaming wars continue to heat up, MultiChoice’s strategy reveals a balancing act between staying competitive and ensuring profitability.

While price hikes are rarely welcome news, the addition of new channels and price stability in certain areas suggests a calculated move to retain loyalty while enhancing the viewing experience.

Whether these adjustments will satisfy cost-conscious viewers in the long run remains to be seen. One thing is clear: in an evolving digital entertainment landscape, MultiChoice is betting that exclusive content and expanded sports coverage will keep audiences tuned in despite rising prices.