As streaming services start to air sports live, could the future of DStv be uncertain. Picture: Independent Newspapers.
Is the end of DStv on the horizon? South African TikToker, @superinformative thinks that it is a possibility, saying many streaming services were now showing sports content on their platforms.
According to @superinfomative, streamers are investing in live sports because it attracts massive, loyal, audiences which drive subscriber growth and keeps viewers engaged in real-time like few other content types can.
In his video, the TikToker said that Netflix will air sports live, the Jake Paul v Mike Tyson boxing match that will take place on Saturday morning at 3am.
Netflix will also be airing two NFL matches live on Christmas Day.
According to the TikToker, Netflix is investing heavily in sportscasting highlighting a $500 million (around R9.18 billion) deal between WWE and the streaming platform which will start in 2025.
He highlighted the shift to sports for other streaming platforms like Disney+ that airs certain UEFA matches in certain European countries and the ability to watch IPL on the platform.
For Amazon Prime Video, certain countries can watch the English Premier League as well as the NFL and from 2025 will broadcast the NBA globally.
@superinformative @Netflix and @Netflix South Africa is betting big on live sports with two major events set to be broadcast on the platform this month and next. Is this the next evolution in streaming? #netflix #sporteonnetflix #streaming #sports #superinformative #southafrica ♬ Trap, hip hop, dark beat ♪(963369) - Ninja_Muzik_Tokyo
He said that DSTV is the biggest loser in this situation because Apple, Disney as well as Amazon have deep pockets which could allow them to bid for sports rights that DStv is well known for like rugby, English Premier League, the UEFA and major tournaments like the cricket or rugby World Cup.
Breaking down the subscription cost for Disney+ at R159pm, R79 pm for Prime Video and AppleTV+ at R125pm, he said it would cost R363pm for all three streaming services, while DStv premium costs R929 pm.
“As streamers get more competitive especially where it comes to airing live sports, DStv is going to be in significant trouble”.
IOL