DStv Retains WWE Broadcast Rights in Africa Amidst Netflix's Global WWE Deal

In a significant announcement for wrestling fans across Sub-Saharan Africa, MultiChoice has affirmed that its sporting channel, SuperSport, will continue to broadcast World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) content despite a new and colossal Netflix deal. The broadcasting giant assured WWE aficionados that they would maintain access to various beloved wrestling spectacles, including Raw, Smackdown, NXT, Wrestlemania, SummerSlam, and the Royal Rumble.

The recent announcement from MultiChoice arrives on the heels of Netflix's substantial investment into the wrestling franchise. Netflix has reportedly secured a ten-year, $5 billion deal (approximately R94 billion) with WWE, which includes the exclusive rights to broadcast Raw and certain international rights associated with WWE properties. The deal is set to take effect in January 2025, following the expiration of WWE's current domestic agreement with Comcast, and will render Netflix the new home for WWE content outside the United States—encompassing all shows and specials.

The Bloomberg report disclosing the partnership indicated that the streaming service would offer these legendary pay-per-view live events as part of their existing subscription package, mirroring SuperSport's content packaging approach. Included in this offering are the iconic Wrestlemania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble events, traditionally available at premium rates.

However, despite the sweeping nature of Netflix's acquisition, MultiChoice is standing firm on its position regarding the broadcasting of WWE content. According to the company, the Netflix deal would not infringe on its existing contractual commitments with WWE. SuperSport has been the broadcast home for WWE content in Sub-Saharan Africa since 2017, a deal which was extended further in 2019.

Wrestling supporters have more to cheer for as MultiChoice points out the availability of a dedicated 24-hour WWE channel accessible via DStv and GOtv platforms. This channel not only showcases live events but also a treasure trove of archive content, documentaries, and customised WWE programming, such as the fan-favorite "Jambo WWE."

The staying power of SuperSport as a central hub for premium sports content, however, faces an evolving and challenging broadcasting landscape. The emergent trend of online streaming services has led to the fragmentation of viewership for premium video entertainment. With streaming giants like Netflix wielding their expansive resources to capture live event broadcasting rights, the dynamic of sports viewership is undergoing a radical transformation.

This competitive pressure is only set to intensify as other major players like Google’s YouTube, Disney, and Amazon’s Prime Video, continue to rival traditional broadcast outlets. The burgeoning involvement of these platforms in the sports broadcasting market, particularly in the African continent, could signify a watchful period for MultiChoice’s leading pay-TV broadcaster.

Overall, while the Netflix deal represents a paradigm shift in how global audiences might access WWE content in the future, SuperSport’s enduring partnership with WWE suggests that South African and Sub-Saharan African fans will enjoy the same riveting wrestling action without interruption or additional charges.