Disney+ will add the ESPN Africa linear channels to its South African service from 2 October 2025, at no extra cost to subscribers.
The move will give customers access to ESPN and ESPN 2 Africa, two 24-hour channels showing live and studio coverage of top US and international sports.
Programming on ESPN includes Australia’s National Rugby League, Japan’s Rugby League, and football from the Scottish Professional Football League, English Football League, Dutch Eredivisie, German Cup, Turkey’s SüperLig and the Saudi Pro League.
ESPN 2 focuses on major US sports with the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, alongside college competitions such as NCAA football and basketball, and women’s leagues including the NWSL.
Both channels also carry studio shows like ESPN FC, First Take, The Pat McAfee Show and SportsCenter, plus documentaries including the award-winning 30 for 30 series.
Diego Londono, SVP and GM Networks & Sports, The Walt Disney Company EMEA, said the launch reflects Disney’s strategy to expand sports coverage across platforms. Kyle de Klerk, Director of Sports for The Walt Disney Company Africa, added that the addition comes as the NFL and European football seasons are underway, with the NBA, NHL and NCAA campaigns starting later this year.
The ESPN Africa channels are already distributed via DStv and StarTimes across the continent.
