SuperSport has officially announced that they won’t be broadcasting the AFCON 2023 on DSTV and GOTV. This news has disappointed many football fans, and they are expressing their discontent.
A widely circulated statement today confirmed that the SuperSport Channel will not be airing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, which is scheduled to take place from January 13th to February 11th, 2024. The reason cited for this decision is that the channel has not successfully acquired the broadcasting rights for the tournament.
Reasons why SuperSport will not broadcast AFCON 2023 REVEALED
The reasons are:
1. Media Rights Dispute
As per the press release, Multichoice, the parent company of SuperSport, has confirmed its inability to secure the broadcasting rights for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Negotiations between SuperSport and CAF apparently stumbled, likely due to disagreements over the financial terms associated with airing the tournament. The acquisition of broadcasting rights for major sporting events often involves substantial costs, and when financial agreements cannot be reached, broadcasting companies may lose the opportunity to air the event.
The competitive nature and high stakes in the broadcasting industry sometimes make it challenging for parties to find common ground. Despite the disappointment from viewers, SuperSport has stated that, regrettably, they won’t be broadcasting the AFCON, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in securing such broadcasting rights.
2. CAF have already sold the broadcasting rights for Sub-Saharan Africa
Another potential reason behind SuperSport’s decision not to broadcast Africa’s biggest football event, AFCON 2023, is the possibility that they were outbid by another entity.
In November 2023, New World TV made a significant move by securing the rights to major Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions across sub-Saharan Africa. This includes both free-to-air and pay-television rights, making it the Togo-based satellite broadcaster’s largest acquisition to date.
The deal, which spans two years, involves New World TV obtaining the free-to-air (FTA) and pay-TV English and local language media rights for Sub-Saharan Africa from CAF. CAF president Patrice Motsepe acknowledged the historical significance of this agreement, stating that it marks the most substantial investment by a pan-African broadcaster in CAF’s history.
Motsepe expressed pride in partnering with New World TV, highlighting the broadcaster’s global competitiveness and innovation in adapting to the changing preferences and viewing habits of modern football audiences. The partnership is also noted for New World TV’s commitment to introducing new ways of consuming video content through collaborations with various mobile operators and its television networks.
3. SuperSport’s reportedly plans to change viewer habits
The changing landscape of content consumption, marked by the increasing popularity of digital platforms and streaming services, is reshaping the broadcasting industry. Traditional broadcasters, like SuperSport, are now confronted with the challenge of adapting to these evolving viewer habits. Unconfirmed reports suggest that SuperSport may be exploring alternative ways to deliver sports content, possibly considering online streaming options to meet the growing demand.
If these reports hold true, it implies that AFCON 2023 might be made available to viewers through a different digital avenue rather than the traditional DSTV channel.
In summary, SuperSport’s decision not to air AFCON 2023 on DSTV appears to be influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including financial negotiations, strategic business priorities, and the changing landscape of content consumption. While football fans may feel disappointed, it’s crucial to acknowledge the dynamic nature of the broadcasting industry, where innovation and exclusivity are key drivers. The potential shift towards digital platforms reflects an industry-wide effort to stay in step with evolving viewer preferences.
