From today, 02 October 2025, Disney+ customers in South Africa have access to both ESPN and ESPN 2 linear channels, bringing the greatest sporting moments from US and International sporting leagues to the existing vast content library on the platform.
At no extra cost, fans will be able to schedule appointments with thrilling matchups, unmissable moments and heart-pounding programming from the two channels. The action is already underway, with the football season kicking off with no less than six leagues, including the English Football League (EFL), Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), the Dutch Eredivisie, the German Football Association Cup (German DFB Pokal), the Saudi Pro League and the SüperLig from Turkey.
American Football fans will welcome the start of the NFL (National Football League) and NCAA NCAA Football and Basketball (National Collegiate Athletic Association) matchups this month too, with the NBA (National Basketball Association) tipoffs from October. Followers of internation al rugby leagues can look forward to the commencement of the US’s Major Rugby, as well as the Japanese Rugby Leagues.
Comments Kyle de Klerk, Director: Sports for The Walt Disney Company Africa: “We are excited to be adding the ESPN Africa linear channels to Disney+ today, offering South African customers more value through ESPN’s award-winning documentaries, breaking sports news, and, of course, fixtures from the most popular and exciting sporting leagues from the United States and around the world. This addition complements the vast library of must-stream TV series and blockbuster movies such as FX’s “Alien: Earth,” the fifth season of “Only Murders in the Building” and Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch”.”
The ESPN linear channels add to The Walt Disney Company’s more than 100 years of unparalleled storytelling and characters on Disney+, including the latest and greatest from Disney’s iconic brands and franchises – Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic – as well as the expansive general entertainment offering that features content from Hulu, FX, Searchlight Pictures, 20th Century Studios and more.
Disney+ customers can also stream celebrated and unmissable TV series and movies such as “The Simpsons,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” FX’s “The Bear,” “Modern Family,” “The Kardashians,” “Andor,” “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” “Criminal Minds,” Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Moana 2”.
All Disney+ Premium and Mobile plan customers with an 18+ content rating in South Africa will have access to the linear channels. Disney+ enables parents and caregivers to limit access to content for specific profiles based on content ratings, and the ability to add a PIN to lock profiles with access to mature content.
In addition to Disney+ in South Africa, ESPN is available on MultiChoice’s DStv and StarTimes across Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Walt Disney Company Africa.
Link To Launch Trailer: CLICK HERE (https://apo-opa.co/46LUWqn)
Link To Assets: Click Here (https://apo-opa.co/46P7pJQ)
MEDIA CONTACTS:
The Walt Disney Company Africa:
Luane Lavery
[email protected]
Jared Stokes
[email protected]
ESPN Africa Social Media:
X: @ESPNAfrica
Facebook: @ESPNAfrica
Instagram: @ESPNAfrica
Hashtag: #ESPNAfrica
DisneyPlus Social Media:
X: @DisneyPlusZA
Facebook: @DisneyPlusZA
Instagram: @DisneyPlusZA
Hashtag: #DisneyPlusZA
About Disney+:
Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. In select international markets, it also includes the general entertainment content brand, Star. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ offers an unmatched collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. For more, visit www.DisneyPlus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.
About ESPN:
ESPN, Inc., is the world’s leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment enterprise featuring a portfolio of more than 50 multimedia sports assets. It has eight U.S. television networks and 26 International Networks, ESPN Audio (broadcast, satellite, digital, podcasts), the leading portfolio of digital sports services in the world, ESPN The Magazine, consumer products, ESPN Events and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Hearst holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN.
Website: http://Africa.ESPN.com
About The Walt Disney Company EMEA:
The Walt Disney Company has been in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for over 90 years and employs thousands across the region. Between Disneyland Paris and its other iconic brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, 20th Century Studios and ESPN, The Walt Disney Company EMEA entertains, informs and inspires millions of consumers in more than 130 countries through the power of unparalleled storytelling. Disney+, the company’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, is currently available in 85 markets across EMEA.