South Africa’s SuperSport will not be airing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), after losing the tournament’s broadcasting rights to New World TV (NWT), in what CAF president, Patrice Motsepe calls “a mega deal that no other broadcaster could match.”
SuperSport, which is owned by Multichoice, has traditionally played a vital role in building hype and excitement around AFCON. However, NWT’s acquisition of hosting rights for both AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast and 2025 in Morocco introduces fresh competition to the market, posing challenges for Multichoice.
According to Tech Cabal, football enthusiasts across Africa fear that the viewing experience might be affected, as SuperSport’s robust network of local commentators and analysts, providing context and insights specific to different African regions, will no longer be part of the broadcast. There is uncertainty about whether NWT can live up to the standards set by SuperSport.
Some fans argue that New World TV may lack SuperSport’s infrastructure, raising worries that English-speaking countries could face limitations, given that NWT primarily caters to a Francophone audience.
Established in Togo in 2015, NWT made a significant entry into sports broadcasting by acquiring rights for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and securing broadcasting rights for various football tournaments, including Euro 2024 and 2028. While headquartered in Lome, Togo, NWT aims to expand its reach to other parts of sub-Saharan Africa in the coming years.
Alternatively, SuperSport’s reduced interest in showcasing African competitions is evident, as seen by the company not broadcasting the recently launched African Football League, where South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns emerged as champions.
NWT’s subscriptions are priced between CFA 3,000 to 7,000 ($5–$18), offering a more economical alternative compared to DStv’s $10–$40. Alternatively, AFCON will also be available on Startimes and Viaplay.
