Disney+ to Launch Live ESPN Linear Channels in South Africa
Johannesburg – Disney+ (https://TheWaltDisneyCompany.com/) has revealed that starting 02 October 2025, South African users will have access to the ESPN Africa linear channels at no extra charge.
Sports fans will be thrilled with two 24-hour ESPN linear channels offering top-notch live and studio sports coverage from the US and around the world, including major leagues and legendary events.
On ESPN, Disney+ subscribers can anticipate a diverse range of sports programming, including Australia’s National Rugby League (Aussie Rules) and Japan’s Rugby League, as well as major European football competitions, such as the Scottish Professional Football League, English Football League, Dutch Eredivisie, German Football Association Cup, Turkey’s SüperLig, and the Saudi Pro League.
ESPN 2 will showcase major American sports, featuring the NBA (National Basketball Association), NFL (National Football League), MLB (Major League Baseball), and NHL (National Hockey League), along with collegiate and women’s competitions, such as the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) and NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) football.
Both ESPN channels will also present studio programs that deliver the latest news and analysis on American sports and football, including shows like “ESPN FC,” “First Take,” “The Pat McAfee Show,” and “SportsCenter.
Viewers will also be able to enjoy critically acclaimed documentaries and original content, including the award-winning 30 for 30 film series.
Diego Londono, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Networks & Sports, The Walt Disney Company EMEA, stated: “At Disney, we are committed to providing outstanding sports and entertainment to audiences across the region.
“The roll-out of the ESPN Africa linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa fits our strategy to engage sports fans on various platforms and reach new audiences, merging iconic sporting moments with the beloved entertainment already available.”
Kyle de Klerk, Director: Sports for The Walt Disney Company Africa, added: “ESPN’s unrivaled content will grant Disney+ customers access to historic and live sports programming from some of the world’s most prestigious leagues and events.
Fans can look forward to thrilling action right away, as the European Football season and the NFL (National Football League) have just started, with exciting developments on the horizon in 2025, including the beginnings of the NBA (National Basketball Association), NHL (National Hockey League), and NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) football and basketball leagues.”
Disney+ offers a wide array of content for everyone — including blockbuster films, hit series, and beloved Originals like FX’s “The Bear,” “The Kardashians,” “Only Murders in the Building,” “The Simpsons,” and much more.
The ESPN Africa linear channels will complement an extensive content library from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, alongside general entertainment, which also features content from Hulu, FX, Searchlight Pictures, and 20th Century Studios.
All Disney+ Premium and Mobile plan subscribers with an 18+ content rating in South Africa will have access to the linear channels.
In addition to Disney+ in South Africa, ESPN is also accessible through MultiChoice’s DStv and StarTimes across Africa.