MultiChoice Group is set to implement price increases across its DStv satellite and Showmax streaming platforms in 2025 for customers in South Africa, with football fans facing the most significant hikes. While the majority of DStv satellite packages will see modest increases that remain around or below the inflation rate, certain Showmax plans will experience substantial price rises.
The most notable change is a staggering 43.5% increase for the Showmax Premier League package, which will now be priced at approximately $5.45 per month, up from $3.80. This represents the largest increase as MultiChoice aims to reconcile rising operational costs with consumer affordability.
These price adjustments come at a time when MultiChoice is grappling with heightened competition in the streaming market, all while striving to maintain its leadership position in the African pay-TV sector.
In addition to the Premier League package, other Showmax streaming plans will also see varying price changes:
- Showmax Entertainment Mobile: Increased by 11.1%, from $2.48 to $2.75.
- Showmax Entertainment Mobile and Premier League: Increased by 21.2%, from $5.45 to $6.61.
- Showmax Entertainment and Premier League: Increased by 7.1%, from $7.71 to $8.26.
- Showmax: No price change.
The DStv Access package will also see a price increase of 7.9%, raising its cost to $8.26 per month from $7.66, marking the highest percentage increase among all DStv satellite packages.
Other significant price changes for DStv satellite packages include:
- DStv Compact Plus: Up 6.5%, from $34.12 to $36.33.
- DStv Premium: Up 5.4%, from $51.21 to $53.97.
- DStv access fee: Up 4.2%, from $6.61 to $6.89.
- DStv EasyView: Up 3.4%, from $1.59 to $1.65.
- DStv Family: Up 3%, from $18.13 to $18.68.
- DStv Compact: Up 2.1%, from $25.85 to $26.40.
- DStv Stream packages: No price changes.
Byron du Plessis, CEO of MultiChoice South Africa, acknowledged the financial pressures facing South African households. He emphasized that DStv Stream packages, Box Office movies, and Showmax Entertainment will not see any price increases. Additionally, the Add Movies premium has been reduced to $2.70 per month, reflecting a 38% decrease.
Du Plessis also announced enhancements for Compact subscribers, which will now include channels such as SuperSport Action, Africa Magic Showcase, CBS Justice, Curiosity, and the History Channel. The new SuperSport channel will feature a variety of content, including mixed martial arts, international and local boxing, WWE, Adrenaline Sports, and UCI Cycling, thereby expanding DStv Compact’s sports offerings, which already include six SuperSport and two ESPN channels.
As streaming competitors intensify their efforts and fans feel the financial strain, MultiChoice will need to implement more than just price increases to retain viewer loyalty and engagement.
