Canal+ Reshapes DStv: 13 Big Changes, New Packages and Channel Closures

French media giant Canal+ is reshaping DStv with 13 big changes covering package names, channel closures and a streaming overhaul, but Nigerian subscribers are not automatically affected. The latest package restructuring in South Africa does not mean new prices or renamed bouquets in Nigeria, where DStv’s local pricing remains distinct.

The changes come one year after Canal+ took control of MultiChoice in September 2025. The broadcaster is pursuing a leaner business while reshaping how customers access sport, films and entertainment. Nigerians should separate group-wide changes from announcements made specifically for South Africa.

South Africa gets new package names

DStv introduced its revised South African packages on September 17, 2026. Access became Starter, Family became Select, and Compact subscribers moved to Sports. A new Movies & Series package offers an alternative for viewers who prioritise entertainment. Compact Plus remains available to existing subscribers but is closed to new subscriptions. Premium and EasyView retain their names.

DStv says customers automatically moved to the replacement packages will not pay more because of the migration. Announcements for other countries will follow when confirmed.

The distinction matters for Nigerian households weighing entertainment spending against food, transport and electricity bills. A cheaper offer advertised in rand should not be mistaken for a reduction in naira subscription charges.

Channels consolidate, some close

The overhaul involves consolidating channels and moving programmes into revised schedules. In South Africa, content from Mzansi Wethu, Bioskop Movies and Mzansi Music is being brought together on Wethu+. kykNET & kie replaced kykNET Lekker, while M-Net Movies 1 and 2 became M-Net Movies+. Some lower-priced packages gain channels, meaning the restructuring combines closures with expanded access to selected content.

Separately, Paramount’s withdrawal from African linear television at the end of 2025 led to the closure of BET Africa, CBS Justice, CBS Reality and MTV Base, according to MyBroadband. Subscribers need to check individual channel lists rather than assume every change results from Canal+ cutting costs.

Showmax shutdown and Nigerian prices

One of the biggest changes was the closure of Showmax at the end of April 2026, following accumulated trading losses exceeding R9 billion. The decision formed part of efforts to reduce costs and restore profitability as competition from international streaming platforms intensified. It also heightened concerns about future investment in African productions. DStv now directs viewers towards Showmax content on DStv Stream, although licensing restrictions mean some titles cannot move across.

DStv’s Nigerian package listings show monthly prices of ₦44,500 for Premium, ₦30,000 for Compact Plus and ₦19,000 for Compact. Confam costs ₦11,000 monthly. At those rates, paying monthly for Premium throughout a year totals ₦534,000, while Compact costs ₦228,000.

For Nigerian viewers, the immediate issue is whether their preferred football competitions, films and local programmes remain available on a package they can afford. Subscribers should confirm their current bouquet, channel access and renewal amount through official Nigerian customer platforms before making payments. South Africa’s new names and advertised prices should not determine Nigerian subscription decisions.

MultiChoice is continuing to reshape its DStv offering. Premium subscribers face another round of content cuts that could further weaken the appeal of the platform’s most expensive package. The broadcaster has announced that four more channels, M-Net Movies 1, KykNET Lekker, Mzansi Bioskop and Mzansi Music, will leave the DStv line-up from September 16, 2026.