By Adedapo Adesanya
MultiChoice Group (MCG), the parent company of DStv, has signed a deal with the Walt Disney Company Africa for the addition of ESPN to sports channels on the packages offered to its customers across the continent.
The agreement, announced on Monday, will result in two 24-hour ESPN channels being made available to DStv subscribers from Wednesday, July 29, where they will be able to enjoy the very best of US sports.
The addition will feature every major US sport, as well as European football. With this, fans across the continent can now look forward to popular premier American leagues including the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Football League (NFL), and Major League Baseball (MLB), via ESPN & ESPN2.
The channels will also feature live football from the English Football League (EFL), Scottish Premier Football League (SPFL), Dutch Eredivisie and Major League Soccer (MLS), as well as local sports including the West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations and featured boxing tournaments and events.
The company noted that DStv customers can look forward to the much-anticipated return of the NBA from July 31 with two live games on the day.
The Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season will also take prominence on ESPN from July 29 with New York Yankees against the Philadelphia Phillies.
During last month’s financial results announcement, MultiChoice reaffirmed its commitment to continue providing the best available content to its customers.
This deal allows the company to provide a larger sports offering than ever before, as the home of sports on the continent.
Speaking on this, MultiChoice Group CEO, Mr Calvo Mawela said, “As Africa’s leading video entertainment platform, we are unwavering in our commitment to ensure that we continue to find the best available content to delight our customers, both now and into the future.”
“We endeavour to deliver both world-class international content as well as the very best in local content, giving our loyal customers a never-ending selection of outstanding entertainment.
“In addition to being the home of American sports, ESPN is equally well-known for its dedication to great storytelling, something we as Africa’s most-loved storyteller can identify with,” Mr Mawela added.
In addition, Ms Christine Service, Senior Vice President and Country Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa noted, “From reliving the greatest moments in sports history to seeing those moments being made, ESPN’s compelling content and unique personality will be a complementary addition to MultiChoice Group’s sports offering.
“We are thrilled to be bringing the achievements and triumphs of both international and local athletes, our quality storytelling and innovative programming to a whole new audience of sports fans in Africa.”
Together with the live sports programming, viewers will also be able to catch up on the very latest films, series, news, talk shows and highlights from ESPN’s iconic sports documentary and studio programming.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Dipo Olowookere