DStv is introducing a major overhaul of its channel and package structure from Thursday, September 17, 2026, with new movie, entertainment and sports options being rolled out as MultiChoice seeks to give subscribers more flexibility over the content they pay for.
The changes represent one of the most significant adjustments to the DStv product structure in years and include the introduction of new package categories, a refreshed movie-channel line-up and additional channels.
MultiChoice, which operates DStv, said the changes are designed around changing viewing habits, giving subscribers the opportunity to choose packages based more directly on whether they prefer entertainment, movies, sports or a combination of content.
The company announced the overhaul as part of what it described as DStv’s biggest package update in 15 years.
According to DStv, the new line-up includes Starter, Select, Sports, Movies & Series and Premium, replacing the previous structure for the South African market. The broadcaster said the new arrangement is intended to make its offerings easier to understand while expanding access to some channels and sporting content.
The new packages officially launch on September 17, 2026, on DStv satellite and DStv Stream in South Africa.
Three New M-Net Movies Channels
One of the most visible changes is the restructuring of DStv’s movie offering.
The previous movie-channel structure is being refreshed with three channels: M-Net Movies+, M-Net Stars and M-Net Legends.
DStv says the channels will provide a broader mix of blockbuster productions, newer movie releases, classic titles and local content while reducing repetition across the movie offering.
The company’s official Movies & Series guide confirms that the three channels form part of the new entertainment-focused package.
The new movie structure is aimed at viewers who want access to premium film and television content without necessarily subscribing to a sports-heavy package.
The Movies & Series package includes M-Net, all three M-Net movie channels, kykNET, Mzansi Magic, Discovery Channel, BBC Earth and other entertainment channels. It also includes a selection of sports channels.
DStv said the package contains more than 115 channels, combining local and international entertainment with selected sports programming.
France 24 Joins The DStv Line-Up
Another major addition is international news channel France 24.
DStv said France 24 will provide 24-hour international news coverage, including reporting and analysis of developments across Africa and around the world.
The channel is being introduced alongside another new channel, Church TV, in the South African package restructuring.
The addition means subscribers will have access to another international news source alongside existing news channels available on the platform.
Sports Gets Its Own Package
MultiChoice is also separating sports more clearly from general entertainment through the introduction of a dedicated Sports package.
According to DStv, the new Sports package will contain more than 115 channels, including 17 dedicated sports channels.
The package is designed to give sports-focused subscribers access to major football competitions and other sporting events without necessarily requiring the highest-priced Premium subscription.
DStv says the package includes Premier League and UEFA Champions League football, cricket, local rugby, UFC and WWE, among other sports.
The restructuring also changes where some football content sits within the package structure.
The Select package, for example, will include every PSL match, while the Starter package will have access to selected football fixtures through SuperSport KICKOFF.
DStv said the new arrangement is intended to make sports content accessible to a wider section of its customer base.
M-Net Becomes Available Beyond Premium
Another significant change is the movement of some premium entertainment content into lower-priced packages.
Under the new structure, M-Net, which has traditionally been associated with DStv’s higher-tier offering, becomes part of the Movies & Series package.
The company says the move will give more customers access to international series and other premium entertainment.
Mzansi Magic and other popular entertainment channels are also being made available through lower package levels.
DStv said the objective is to give customers clearer choices based on what they watch rather than forcing viewers to subscribe to a broad package simply to access one particular type of content.
What About Nigerian DStv Snd GOtv Subscribers?
For Nigerian subscribers, caution is necessary when interpreting the September 17 changes.
A report stated that DStv and GOtv subscribers in Nigeria were expected to see refreshed offerings, including the three M-Net Movies channels and additions such as SuperSport Kick-Off and France 24.
However, the detailed official DStv announcement currently available from MultiChoice specifically describes the September 17 package overhaul as a South African launch.
The official announcement lists prices in South African rand and describes the new Starter, Select, Sports, Movies & Series and Premium packages in terms of South African channels and sports content.
This distinction is important for Nigerian customers because a change announced for South Africa does not automatically mean that the same package names, prices, channel allocations or migration arrangements have taken effect in Nigeria.
Nigeria continues to have its own DStv and GOtv package structures and subscription arrangements.
Consequently, Nigerian subscribers should check official DStv Nigeria or GOtv Nigeria communications for confirmation of any specific package migration, channel number changes, subscription prices or new channel availability in the country.
Why MultiChoice Is Changing DStv
The restructuring comes at a time when traditional pay-TV companies are facing increased competition from streaming services and changing consumer viewing habits.
MultiChoice has said the new structure is intended to give customers greater choice and make its offerings more closely reflect how people consume television.
The company has also pointed to the growing importance of giving viewers the ability to choose between entertainment and sport rather than placing both categories in a single premium-heavy package.
MultiChoice CEO, Willington Ngwepe, said the company had taken a fresh look at its packages after 15 years, with the intention of creating more tailored options for customers.
The changes also come after Canal+ completed its acquisition of MultiChoice in 2025, bringing the African pay-TV operator under the ownership of the French media company.
DStv Customers Get More Package Choices
Under the new South African structure, customers will be able to select from five principal options: Starter, Select, Sports, Movies & Series and Premium.
The Starter package focuses on accessible entertainment and selected sport, while Select combines entertainment with PSL football.
Sports is targeted at viewers primarily interested in live sporting events, while Movies & Series is designed for customers who prioritise films and television programmes.
Premium remains the broadest offering, retaining access to major international sporting competitions and premium entertainment.
The new structure therefore represents a shift away from a one-size-fits-all approach towards packages built around different viewing preferences.
For Nigerian DStv and GOtv customers, the key issue remains whether and when MultiChoice will introduce the same structure in Nigeria.
Until a specific Nigerian rollout is officially confirmed, subscribers should distinguish between the changes already announced for South Africa and any separate changes MultiChoice may announce for its Nigerian market.