Multichoice’s DSTV could see the number of subscriptions for its satellite cable TV reduce in the coming months due to the suspension of English Premier League, (EPL) Uefa Champions League (UCL), NBA and other major sports leagues across the world.
The suspension of football competitions became necessary after some players and coaches tested positive for the Covid-19 that is currently ravaging the world.
All sporting competitions in the United States have also been suspended following the spread of coronavirus. The National Basketball Association (NBA), announced the suspension of activities after Utah Jazz player, Rudy Gobert tested positive for Covid-19. The National Hockey League (NHL), the Major League Soccer (MLS) and College sports competitions quickly followed suit.
Subscription is DSTV’s Major Source of Revenue
In 2019, DSTV declared revenue of about 50 billion Rands. That’s roughly $3.7 billion. Subscriptions make up the bulk of its revenue. In Nigeria alone, the company made N133.2 billion from subscriptions alone. This means the company couldn’t afford to lose subscriptions as it were.
South Africa and Nigeria remain DSTV’s biggest markets. Both are crazy about sports in general and football in particular. In Nigeria, where lots of viewing centres and small hospitality businesses subscribe to DSTV mainly for its football content, subscription for the coming months are sure to be suspended just like the football leagues.
And since DSTV adopts a monthly subscription plan, its revenues may be even worst hit as the suspension of subscription might extend as long as the suspension on football activities last.
Arsenal coach, Chelsea winger, other footballers infected with coronavirus
In the past week, news has broken about sports stars who have either been infected or quarantined because associates were infected with the Convid-19 virus.
Juventus defender, Daniele Rugani was one of the first soccer stars to test positive for the virus. His positive diagnosis led to the isolation of other members of his team including football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo.
As the week winded down, more football personalities including Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive to the virus. In Italy, Juventus attacker, Paulo Dybala was feared infected while Sampdoria’s Manolo Gabbiadini was actually infected. In Germany, two FC Hannover defenders, Timo Hubers and Jannes Horn were infected.
Currently, major football competitions that have been confirmed to have been suspended include the EPL (Suspension to be reviewed in April), UEFA Champions League (UCL), UEFA Europa League, La Liga, Seria A and Ligue 1.
Nigerians love DSTV because of football
Nigerians especially the male population enjoy sports. DSTV is taunted as the best Satellite cable TV in Nigeria because it offers content that covers most major sporting activities in the world including soccer.
DSTV has a series of packages where subscribers can choose which type of TV content they want to view. The Compact Plus package offers over 90% EPL matches, Spanish La Liga, Bundesliga and covers an array of sports, which makes it perfect for sports lovers.
The DSTV Compact Plus currently cost goes for about N10,650 per month
Thus, private subscribers may either opt to wait till the virus is beaten and sporting activities resume or opt for smaller bouquets like the DSTV Access package which costs N2,000 per month or the DSTV Family package which costs N4,000 per month
This means that DSTV could lose between N6,000 to N10,000 for every sports fan that chooses to change or stop their subscription due to the suspension of major sporting activities.
Although the weekend won’t be the same without the Premier League, La Liga and other sports, DSTV has offered its premium package for free this weekend.
So, if you are a sports fan who feels the weekend is already ruined you can seek consolation in some Netflix or Nollywood Movies.
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