SuperSport has officially announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 will not be broadcast on DSTV and GOTV, a revelation that has stirred disappointment among football enthusiasts.
In an unexpected twist, the renowned sports channel disclosed its decision through a widely circulated statement, stating:
“SuperSport Channel will not broadcast the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 scheduled for January 13th – February 11th, 2024, because the channel has not secured the rights to broadcast the tournament.
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“However, AFCON 2023 games will be available through our partner broadcast stations.
“MultiChoice remains committed to ensuring football fans continue to enjoy unrivaled access to entertainment and football games available on DStv and GOtv platforms.”
This surprising move has left many fans puzzled, prompting inquiries into why their favored channel won’t be showcasing the 34th edition of AFCON. In this article, Pulse Sports delves into three key reasons behind this development.
1. Broadcast Rights Dispute:
At the core of the issue lies an ongoing battle for broadcast rights. Multichoice, as indicated in the press release, confirmed their inability to secure broadcasting rights from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. The failure to reach a mutually beneficial agreement on the financial aspects of broadcasting the tournament led to SuperSport’s decision. The competitive nature of the broadcasting industry, coupled with high-stakes negotiations, sometimes results in difficulties in finding compromises.
A spokesperson for SuperSport exclusively told Pulse Sports, ‘I can imagine the concerns from the viewers, but it’s just what it is; we won’t be broadcasting the AFCON.’
This isn’t the first time CAF and SuperSport have faced challenges in reaching broadcasting rights agreements, as a similar situation occurred in 2019, when the rights were lost due to issues with French agency Lagardere. However, they managed to renew the agreement in time for the 2021 edition in Cameroon.
2. Broadcasting Rights Already Sold for Sub-Saharan Africa:
Another contributing factor is the likelihood that SuperSport may have been outbid. In November 2023, New World TV secured both free-to-air and pay-television rights to major Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions across sub-Saharan Africa and in multiple languages. This comprehensive deal with the pan-African broadcaster included free-to-air (FTA) and pay-TV English and local language media rights for Sub-Saharan Africa. The sizable investment by New World TV marked a significant shift in CAF’s broadcasting history.
3. Shift in Viewer Habits and SuperSport’s Plans:
The evolving landscape of content consumption, with the increasing popularity of streaming services and online platforms, poses a challenge for traditional broadcasters. Unconfirmed reports suggest that SuperSport might be exploring alternative methods to deliver sports content to its audience, reflecting the growing demand for online streaming options. Consequently, AFCON 2023 could potentially reach viewers through a different digital avenue rather than the conventional DSTV channel.
In conclusion, SuperSport’s decision not to air AFCON 2023 on DSTV is a complex interplay of financial negotiations, strategic business priorities, and the dynamic evolution of how viewers consume content. While football fans may experience disappointment, it’s crucial to acknowledge the ever-changing nature of the broadcasting industry and the ongoing pursuit of innovation and exclusivity.