DStv Sports Package at R399 Excludes Springboks and F1

In Short

DStv has a cheaper Sports package starting at R399 per month. It does not include Springboks rugby or Formula 1.

What Happened

DStv is adding a new Sports package priced from R399 a month. The company is positioning it as a lower-cost way to watch sport on its pay TV platform.

The catch is that two of the biggest premium sports rights are not included. Subscribers on this package will not get Springboks rugby, and they will not get Formula 1.

This clarification comes ahead of broader DStv package changes that are set to take effect on 17 September 2026. For customers, it means the cheaper package is more of a “some sport” option than a full replacement for higher tiers.

Why It Matters

Sports rights are one of the main reasons many households keep pay TV subscriptions. In simple terms, “rights” are the legal permissions that let a broadcaster show a league or event, and they are usually the most expensive content deals.

By excluding Springboks rugby and F1, DStv can offer a lower price point without carrying the full cost of those premium rights. But it also means fans of those events will likely still need a more expensive bundle.

For the wider media and entertainment market in South Africa, the move signals more product segmentation. Expect clearer differences between entry-level sports access and top-tier premium sport, especially as pricing and package reshuffles roll out in late 2026.