Disney+ just got a whole lot better. Or at least, it will. The Walt Disney Company and ESPN announced today that the pair were finally coming together in South Africa, with the R160/m subscription offering two 24-hour linear ESPN channels, covering everything from the NBA, NFL, and European football. Oh, and it’s free.
“Customers 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,” it said.
Disney’s got DStv on the ropes
That goes for any Disney+ customer in South Africa, whether they’re paying the full R160/m Premium subscription or limit themselves to mobile devices to take advantage of the R50/m pricing. Kids’ accounts, unfortunately, won’t take part, with Disney+ requiring 18+ accounts to view the live channels.
Tuning into ESPN 1 via Disney+ will net you access to the National Rugby League (in Australia), the Japanese Rugby League, as well as some football. You’ll still need a pricey DStv subscription to see Europe’s top footballing teams take each other on, but Disney+ has options if you don’t mind branching out a bit.
There’s the Scottish Professional Football League, English Championship, Dutch Eredivisie, German Football Association Cup (DFB Pokal), the Turkish Super Lig, and, finally, the Saudi Pro League, where Cristiano Ronaldo currently resides. That’s not to say Disney and ESPN won’t improve the line-up down the line.
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Tune into ESPN 2, and you’ll step into some ironically familiar territory with access to the NBA (Basketball), NFL (football), NHL (Ice hockey), and MLB (baseball) — OMG! It will also broadcast the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League), March Madness basketball, and ESPN college football (of the hand-egg variety).
“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,” said Diego Londono, Disney’s senior VP and general manager for EMEA regions.
Customers will have to wait until 2 October 2025 to take advantage of the free upgrade, leaving plenty of time for non-subscribers to change their relationship status with the service.
