Good news for Rugby World Cup 2023 fans who don’t have DStv

MultiChoice says it will sub-license broadcast rights to the SABC for the Rugby World Cup 2023.

MutiChoice said that the SABC accepted a proposal it made on 18 August 2023.

Under the agreement between the two companies, the SABC will broadcast 16 matches, including the opening ceremony and opening match, all matches that the Springboks participate in, two quarter-final matches, one semi-final, the bronze final, the final and the closing ceremony. 

If South Africa does not qualify for the knockout stages, these matches will still be available for broadcast.

“We are pleased to have reached an arrangement with the SABC in the spirit of cooperation,” said Marc Jury, chief executive of MultiChoice SA, said.

This marks a quick turnaround as MyBroadband reported earlier this week that the SABC refused to pay MultiChoice $2 million (over R35 million) for the rights to broadcast all potential Springbok games at the competition live.

One SABC insider said that MultiChoice was using an old strategy where it attempted to push the SABC into a decision at the last minute.

“We approach them ahead of time. They wait until the last minute to start negotiations,” they said.

Considering the competition starts tomorrow evening, it seems that those insiders may have had a point.

Another insider questioned how the SABC would recoup any money from the competition.

“Even if we had the $2 million, how are we going to recoup it in such a short period?” they said.

“We won’t get a cent out of it because between now and next weekend, you can’t get anyone to advertise.”

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