ESPN On Disney+ To Launch In South Africa
Disney is slowly rolling out its sports brand, ESPN, to Disney+ around the world and today, it has been announced that from October 2nd 2025, the ESPN Africa linear channels will be available to South African customers at no extra cost.
Fans will have access to the two 24-hour linear ESPN channels that showcase the very best live and studio sports programming from the US and around the world, spanning major leagues and iconic competitions.
This follows the recent launch of ESPN Unlimited in the United States, along with the addition of the ESPN hub on Disney+ in Australia and South America
On ESPN, a world of sport awaits Disney+ customers with the National Rugby League in Australia (Aussie Rules) and Japan’s Rugby League, plus top European football action, including the Scottish Professional Football League, English Football League, Dutch Eredivisie, German Football Association Cup and Turkey’s SüperLig, along with the Saudi Pro League.
ESPN 2 brings the biggest American sports, showcasing the NBA (National Basketball Association), NFL (National Football League), MLB (Major League Baseball) and NHL (National Hockey League), along with women’s and college competitions such as the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League), NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and ESPN College Football.
Both ESPN channels also broadcast studio shows capturing the latest news and analysis from across American sport and football including “ESPN FC”, “First Take”, “The Pat McAfee” Show” and “SportsCenter”. Critically acclaimed and celebrated documentaries and original programming are also available, including ESPN’s award-winning library of 30 for 30 films.
Says Diego Londono, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Networks & Sports, The Walt Disney Company EMEA, said in a statement regarding the launch of ESPN on Disney+ in South Africa:
“At Disney, we are committed to delivering world-class sports and entertainment to customers across the region. The launch of the ESPN Africa linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa reflects our strategy to reach sports fans across multiple platforms and connect with new audiences, bringing iconic sporting moments together with the expansive and much-loved entertainment already available.”
Kyle de Klerk, Director: Sports for The Walt Disney Company Africa added:
“ESPN’s unparalleled content offering will provide Disney+ customers with access to the greatest historic and live sports programming from some of the most iconic leagues and events in the world. Fans will be able to enjoy thrilling action right away as the European Football season and the NFL (National Football League), have just launched, with existing milestones to look forward to in 2025 including the start of the NBA (National Basketball Association), NHL (National Hockey League) as well as NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) football and basketball leagues.”
All Disney+ Premium and Mobile plan customers with an 18+ content rating in South Africa will have access to the linear channels. In addition to Disney+ in South Africa, ESPN is available on MultiChoice’s DStv and StarTimes across Africa.
Roger’s Take: Disney is continuing to expand the reach of ESPN globally, and I suspect we will see ESPN be added in more regions around the world, especially as Disney spends more money on sports rights. The addition of live sports to Disney+ is going to offer more options for subscribers in South Africa and offer more value for money.
What do you think of the addition of ESPN on Disney+ in South Africa? Let me know on social media!
