South African customers to Disney+ will gain access to ESPN And ESPN 2 Africa linear channels from 1 October.
Fans will have access to the two 24-hour linear ESPN channels that showcase live and studio sports programming from the the United States and around the world.
Featured sports on ESPN include National Rugby League in Australia (Aussie Rules) and Japan’s Rugby League, plus top European football action including the Scottish Professional Football League, English Football League, Dutch Eredivisie, German Football Association Cup and Turkey’s SüperLig, along with the Saudi Pro League.
ESPN 2 brings American sports, showcasing the NBA (National Basketball Association), NFL (National Football League), MLB (Major League Baseball) and NHL (National Hockey League), along with women’s and college competitions such as the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League), NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and ESPN College Football.
Both ESPN channels also broadcast studio shows capturing the latest news and analysis from across American sport and football including ESPN FC, First Take, The Pat McAfee” Show and SportsCenter. Critically acclaimed and celebrated documentaries and original programming are also available, including ESPN’s award-winning library of 30 for 30 films.
Says Diego Londono, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Networks & Sports, The Walt Disney Company EMEA: “The launch of the ESPN Africa linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa reflects our strategy to reach sports fans across multiple platforms and connect with new audiences, bringing iconic sporting moments together with the expansive and much-loved entertainment already available.”
All Disney+ Premium and Mobile plan customers with an 18+ content rating in South Africa will have access to the linear channels.
In addition to Disney+ in South Africa, ESPN is available on MultiChoice’s DStv and StarTimes across Africa.
Source: https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2025/09/24/disney-to-add-live-espn-linear-channels-in-south-africa/
