The much-anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has taken an unexpected turn for African football enthusiasts, signaling a shift in broadcasting dynamics. Multichoice-owned SuperSports, a household name for football broadcasts, will not be showcasing this year’s edition of AFCON after losing its broadcasting rights to a relatively new player in the market—Togo-based New World TV (NWT).
This unprecedented move stems from NWT securing an exclusive deal for AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast and AFCON 2025 in Morocco. Described as an “unmatchable deal” by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe, it demonstrates a monumental shift in the tournament’s broadcasting, presenting a new competition for MultiChoice, which formerly dominated AFCON broadcasts.
Traditionally, SuperSport’s comprehensive coverage and promotional efforts have fueled the excitement surrounding AFCON.
However, concerns loom among football enthusiasts regarding the potential impact of NWT’s hosting rights. SuperSport’s robust network of local commentators and analysts, known for providing region-specific insights, might be sorely missed, raising doubts about NWT’s ability to match up.
Amid the debate, fans express apprehensions about NWT’s capacity to cover the competition comprehensively. Worries persist, particularly among English-speaking countries, as NWT primarily caters to a Francophone audience, potentially leaving a gap in coverage.
NWT, established in Togo in 2015, made significant strides in sports broadcasting by securing rights for various global tournaments. The platform’s presence in Togo and plans to expand across sub-Saharan Africa in the coming years signal a growing challenge to established broadcasters like SuperSport.
The AFCON, set to kick off on January 14, has historically been aired on SuperSport, but the broadcaster has shown reduced interest in African competitions. SuperSport’s absence in showcasing the newly launched African Football League further exemplifies this trend.
For football enthusiasts eager to catch AFCON action, NWT subscriptions come at a more affordable range of CFA 3,000 to 7,000 ($5–$18), a competitive alternative to DStv’s $10–$40 subscriptions. Additionally, AFCON will also be accessible through platforms like Startimes and Viaplay.
In another DStv-related development, customers have accused the platform of erroneously adding Disney+ services to their accounts and charging them. Despite claiming to initiate refunds, customers express dissatisfaction with the partial reimbursements, raising concerns about billing transparency and service provisions.