The rights package also includes coverage of additional NBA Sunday Night regular season games each season, both Conference Finals each year, as well as exclusive rights to the NBA Finals.

All games will air live across ESPN (DStv 218, StarSat 248) and ESPN2 (DStv 219, StarSat 249), as well as on Disney+ in South Africa. In addition to the live broadcasts, repeat airings are scheduled during the day, giving fans maximum flexibility and multiple opportunities to catch the action.

The Road to NBA Glory Begins

The 2026 NBA Finals are scheduled to run from Wednesday, 3 June to Friday, 19 June, should the series go to a decisive Game 7. All games will tip off at 02:30 CAT, with ESPN bringing African audiences every dramatic moment as it happens, live, from the United States.

The NBA commands a massive, passionate global following, with millions of fans across Africa closely following the league’s biggest stars, rivalries and defining moments. From sold-out arenas and iconic franchises to viral highlights and superstar athletes, the NBA has become one of the most recognisable sporting brands in the world.

Last season saw the Oklahoma City Thunder crowned NBA champions after defeating the Indiana Pacers 4-3 in the Finals, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named the Finals Most Valuable Player.

African stars continue to play a major role in the NBA’s global growth and popularity, with players including Cameroon’s Pascal Siakam and Joel Embiid, South Sudan’s rookie Khaman Maluach and global sensation Victor Wembanyama all helping to fuel the league’s growing fan base across the continent. Wembanyama, who has ties to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has rapidly become one of the NBA’s most exciting young superstars, captivating fans worldwide with his remarkable skill, athleticism and larger-than-life presence on court.

A New Era of Basketball on ESPN Africa

The addition of the NBA Finals rights further expands ESPN Africa’s growing basketball portfolio alongside its broad range of premier international sporting content.

Kyle De Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa, says the acquisition marks an exciting moment for basketball fans across the region. “The NBA is one of the biggest and most celebrated sports properties in the world, with an incredibly passionate fan base across Africa. We are thrilled to bring audiences exclusive access to the NBA Finals over the next three seasons, alongside the Conference Finals and Sunday Night games. From superstar players and unforgettable rivalries to dramatic playoff moments, this is world-class basketball entertainment at its very best.”

So, who will lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2026? There is only one way to find out.

For updates on ESPN and its programming, fans can connect to @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit espn.com.

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From football in some of Europe’s biggest cup competitions and African basketball, the weekend of 22 to 24 May promises wall-to-wall action featuring elite clubs, title-deciding fixtures and some of the sport world’s most anticipated match-ups this year.

Europe’s Biggest Women’s Soccer Clubs Collide in Oslo

One of the standout fixtures of the weekend will see Barcelona take on Lyon in the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final on Saturday, 23 May at 18:00 (CAT) from the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway. The final marks the first time the prestigious event will be hosted in Norway and forms part of ESPN Africa’s continued commitment to bringing world-class international sport to audiences across the continent. ESPN holds exclusive rights to the competition across sub-Saharan Africa.

The Race to the English Premier League

Football fans can also look forward to the EFL Championship Play-Off Final from Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday, 23 May, with kickoff at 16:30. Widely referred to as the “richest game in football”, the fixture determines which club will secure promotion to the English Premier League alongside the top two teams from the regular season.

Hull City and Middlesbrough are in the highly contested race for a coveted place in the Premiership, and will battle it out under the famous Wembley arch.

German Giants Battle for Cup Glory

The football action continues on Sunday, 24 May at 20:00 with the DFB-Pokal Final from Berlin’s Olympiastadion, where Bayern Munich will face reigning champions VfB Stuttgart in Germany’s premiere domestic cup competition. Stuttgart lifted the trophy in 2025 after defeating Arminia Bielefeld 4-2 in the final and will now attempt to defend their title against one of Europe’s most formidable football clubs.

Africa’s Best Basketball Giants Head to Kigali

Basketball fans are also in for a major treat as the Basketball Africa League Finals tip off in Kigali, Rwanda, from 22 to 31 May. Taking place at the BK Arena, the BAL Finals bring together the continent’s top men’s basketball clubs as they compete for African glory and a place at the 2026 FIBA Intercontinental Cup.

Kyle de Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa, said the upcoming weekend reflects ESPN Africa’s commitment to delivering the most exciting sport to audiences across the continent. “This is an incredible weekend for sports fans, and we are delighted to be bringing all of this action to viewers across Africa. From massive football finals and promotion battles to the biggest club basketball competition on the continent, the quality and variety of sport on offer across ESPN and ESPN2 that weekend is exceptional. We can’t wait to see these teams in action and to share every big moment with fans watching from home.”

For updates for ESPN and its programming, fans can connect to @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit espn.com.

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TOP 14 broadcasts, giving viewers a front-row seat to the passion, rivalry and weekly drama that define the French game, will air across both ESPN (DStv 218, StarSat 248) and ESPN2 (DStv 219, StarSat 249), as well as on both linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa.

The action kicks off this Saturday, 18 April, with no less than three match-ups, including Stade Rochelais vs Union Bordeaux Bègles (14:30 on ESPN 2), Aviron Bayonnais vs Section Paloise (16:35 on ESPN 2) and Castres Olympique vs Stade Toulousain (21:00 on ESPN 2). Sunday 19 April sees Racing 92 take on Stade Français Paris at 21:00 CAT on ESPN 2, making for a weekend full of exhilarating rugby action.

The league features a strong South African presence, with Springbok forward Jean-Luc du Preez as well as Arno Botha and Nico Janse van Rensburg, adding local interest and familiar faces for African audiences following the action.

ESPN will air four live matches every week, showcasing the standout fixtures from each round alongside six playoff matches per season. All games will be broadcast with English commentary and graphics, allowing audiences to fully follow the narrative of the competition as it unfolds from round one through to the decisive moments.

A League Built on Rivalry and Pride

The TOP 14 carries a distinct rhythm that sets it apart. Packed stadiums, fierce local rivalries and an uncompromising style of play have made it a favourite among rugby followers around the world. The league brings together established international stars and homegrown talent, creating contests that feel personal and hard-earned from week to week.

ESPN Africa’s coverage will allow fans to follow the league in depth. The 2025 to 2026 season broadcasts will include 36 regular season matches and six playoff games, while the 2026 to 2027 and 2027 to 2028 seasons will each feature 104 regular season fixtures, plus six playoff encounters. The consistency of weekly coverage is designed to draw viewers into the ebb and flow of the competition, where momentum can shift quickly and every result matters.

Widening the Breadth of ESPN Africa’s Sports Offering

TOP 14 Rugby joins ESPN Africa’s robust rugby offering, that including the Springbok-dominated Japan Rugby League One. Furthermore, this latest addition builds on the wide range of sporting codes already available across the ESPN channels, including basketball, baseball, football, hockey, American football and more.

“We are delighted to welcome the TOP 14 French Rugby League to the ESPN Africa offering. The TOP 14 is considered the leading domestic rugby competition globally, and we are excited to offer our audiences the very best in European rugby competition alongside our wide breadth of premier sports programming,” shared Kyle De Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa.

“This agreement with ESPN Africa marks an important step in the international growth of the TOP 14. It will give more fans across a major rugby region the opportunity to experience the intensity, passion and unique identity of French professional rugby,” said Yann Roubert, President of the Ligue Nationale de Rugby.

For updates regarding the French TOP 14 rugby and other sports, fans can connect to @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit ESPN.

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Johannesburg, 19 February 2026: ESPN Africa today has launched the premiere episode of Jesse in Japan as part of an all-new original short-form digital content series helmed by Springbok and Yokohama Canon Eagles star Jesse Kriel.

 

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Offering fans a relaxed and revealing look at his life and growing career in the land of the rising sun, Jesse in Japan will run across ESPN Africa’s social and digital platforms throughout the year, with a premiere episode each month.

Life Beyond The Try Line

Kriel has been part of the Yokohama Canon Eagles since 2020 and reached a historic milestone in November 2025 when he was appointed the team’s first foreign captain. Jesse in Japan steps away from matchday pressure to capture the quieter rhythms of his life, from training sessions with teammates and recovery routines to favourite local restaurants, neighbourhood errands and moments of downtime. In addition, expect glimpses into differences between Mzansi and Japan, prepping for the next match, gym routines, insights into this exciting league and more.

The series will offer an unfiltered glimpse into how the South African rugby player has adapted to daily life in a new culture, balancing elite performance with curiosity, discipline and the small comforts that make a place feel like home. Jesse’s status as an athlete and rugby professional has grown exponentially in recent years through his successes with the South African men’s national rugby team, the Springboks, which he has recently captained, his successes in Japan and his dedicated approach to health and fitness.

“ESPN remains committed to offering viewers cross the continent an unparalleled offering of the very best of US and international sporting leagues,” says Kyle De Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa. “We are delighted to be working with Jesse Kriel to bring Jesse in Japan to viewers, offering complementary programming that gives an insight into the life and career of not only this sporting legend but also the thrilling Japan Rugby League One as he, together with his teammates, create historic sporting moments.”

“I am excited to be collaborating with ESPN to offer rugby fans and viewers the opportunity to be a part of my exciting journey in Japan,” says Jesse Kriel. “The series is an invitation to celebrate the food, culture, people and of course rugby action that I have am lucky enough to be a part of in the Japan Rugby League One and beyond.”

JRLO Exclusive to ESPN Africa

The prestigious Japan Rugby League One features a number of South African sporting icons such as Faf De Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe, Kwagga Smith, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Malcolm Marx and Pieter-Steph Du Toit.

As the Japan Rugby League One season unfolds, only on ESPN, the series will track Kriel’s journey as the competition builds towards the finals in June. Viewers can catch the action on ESPN (DStv 218, StarSat 248), on ESPN2 (DStv 219, StarSat 249), and on Disney+ in South Africa with two live games every week and repeat broadcasts to ensure that no big moment is missed.

Fans can follow the series and join the conversation on @ESPNAfrica with #JesseinJapan across social platforms.

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Johannesburg, 2 February 2026: This February, ESPN, the home of American sports, will broadcast the much-anticipated NFL Super Bowl LX live across the continent. Viewers can catch the action live on Monday, 9 February at 01:00 CAT on both ESPN and ESPN2 or on Disney+ in South Africa. This year’s clash will see the New England Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks in a battle for NFL glory and the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Patriots and Seahawks Ready for Championship Showdown

The Patriots and Seahawks, both with a rich history in the Super Bowl, will bring star talent and high stakes to the field. Fans can expect dynamic plays, tactical match-ups and high-stakes moments as quarterbacks, receivers and defensive standouts face off under the brightest lights in American sport. The game promises a contest of skill, strategy and determination as each team aims to leave its mark on NFL history.

Halftime Show and Ways to Catch the Action

The popular Super Bowl halftime show, which will air during the live broadcast, will feature Grammy-winning global superstar Bad Bunny, bringing Latin rhythms and high-energy performance to the biggest stage in American football.

Viewers who cannot catch the live broadcast will have multiple opportunities to see the game with repeat airings later in the day at 08:00 on ESPN 2, 11:00 on ESPN, and at 15:00 on ESPN2. A 55-minute highlight package will also air during the week for fans to relive the game’s defining moments.

For updates on the NFL Super Bowl and from the world of American sports, fans can connect to @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, X and Instagram or visit Africa.espn.com. Fans are encouraged to use #SuperBowlLX for this special event.

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Johannesburg, 22 December 2025: ESPN Africa is gearing up for a high-energy festive season, and fans are in for a heart-pounding bumper lineup of live sport in the Christmas week. From headline basketball fixtures to the drama of college football bowl games and a great day of Boxing Day football, viewers across Africa can settle in for a lively holiday viewing experience on ESPN (DStv 218, StarSat 248) and on ESPN2 (DStv 219, StarSat 249).

Christmas Eve Warm-Up

• The celebrations start early on Wednesday, 24 December, when the NHL hits the ice at 02:00 (CAT) with the Hurricanes meeting the Panthers in a regular-season clash on ESPN.
• The action continues at 04:00 on ESPN2 with the Frisco Bowl, bringing college football fans a spirited postseason showdown.

Christmas Day Showdowns

Christmas Day keeps the momentum going with pulse-racing sporting action on screen.

• The Hawaii Bowl kicks off at 03:00 on ESPN2, adding a dose of late-night gridiron.
• From 19:00, the spotlight moves to the NBA on ESPN as the New York Knicks face the Cleveland Cavaliers.
• This game will be followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder going up against the San Antonio Spurs at 21:30.
• The evening rounds off with the Golden State Warriors against the Dallas Mavericks at 24:00, giving basketball fans a thrilling run of back-to-back matchups.

Boxing Day Action Across Courts and Pitches

• Friday 26 December offers a packed schedule when the NBA ignites the action at 03:00 with the LA Lakers against the Houston Rockets on ESPN
• The thrills continue at 05:30, when the Denver Nuggets will be taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
• NFL fans can tune in at 03:15 on ESPN2 for the Kansas City Chiefs versus the Denver Broncos in Week 17.
• The afternoon moves into EFL fixtures on ESPN with Birmingham City against Derby County at 14:30, then Middlesbrough versus Blackburn Rovers at 17:00.
• At 19:30, the Saudi Pro League features Al Hilal against Al Khaleej
• The evening closes with the Sports Bowl at 20:00 on ESPN2.
• The ESPN linear channels are also available on Disney+ in South Africa

The ESPN linear channels are also available on Disney+ in South Africa. For updates regarding ESPN Africa Boxing and other sports, fans can connect to @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit espn.com.

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Starting this week, viewers can catch the action on ESPN (DStv 218, StarSat 248), on ESPN2 (DStv 219, StarSat 249), and on Disney+ with two live games every week and repeat broadcasts to ensure that no big moment is missed.

A World-class Lineup Fuels the Excitement

This season, the JRLO features a stellar cast of players, including no fewer than seven stars from the Springboks squad. Competing in the league are Franco Mostert (Mie Honda Heat), Pieter Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Faf de Klerk and Jesse Kriel (Yokohama Canon Eagles), Damian de Allende (Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath) and Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs).

They will lock horns with teams guided by high-profile coaches such as Steve Hansen (Toyota Verblitz), ex-Wallabies and five-times Super Rugby-winning coach Robbie Deans (Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights), Frans Ludeke (Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay), and other seasoned mentors, including Todd Blackadder (Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo) and Johan Ackerman (Urayasu DRocks).

The league comprises of 3 divisions, with each team aiming to climb to the first. Twelve teams will battle it out in Division 1, alongside additional clubs in Divisions 2 and 3. For rugby fans across Africa, two Division 1 matches per week will air live on ESPN or ESPN2, with repeat broadcasts for flexibility, building up to a nail-biting final in May 2026.

The first fixtures are already set:

• Kobe versus Spears on Saturday, 13 December at 10:00 on ESPN
• Brave Lupus versus Wild Knights on Sunday, 14 December at 08:00 on ESPN
• Sungoliath versus Verblitz on Saturday, 20 December at 07:30 on ESPN
• Blue Revs versus Brave Lupus on Sunday, 21 December at 07:30 on ESPN
• Black Rams versus Heat on Saturday, 27 December at 06:05 on ESPN
• Kobe versus Verblitz on Sunday, 28 December at 07:30 on ESPN2

Rugby fans can look forward to relentless intensity, fast-paced rugby and match-defining plays that will keep them glued to the screens as this new season promises to deliver high stakes, incredible skill and top-tier competition from start to finish.

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From the FIBA Basketball World Cups and Continental Cups to Women’s and Youth World Cups, ESPN Africa will deliver every major international moment live to audiences across the region. Fans can look forward to seeing numerous national teams compete in key qualifiers and tournaments, with action spanning the men’s and women’s FIBA AfroBasket, the FIBA Men’s and Women’s Basketball World Cups and Olympic qualifying events.

Global Basketball, Local Passion

This agreement cements ESPN Africa’s position as the home of premiere basketball on the continent, giving viewers an unparalleled mix of international and domestic excitement. By showcasing both the intensity of FIBA competition and the unique skill of African players on the global stage, ESPN Africa continues to strengthen its offering for fans who live and breathe the game.

“ESPN Africa remains committed to bringing viewers the very best in sport from around the world,” says Kyle De Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa. “Basketball has an incredible following on the continent, and this collaboration with FIBA gives our audiences the opportunity to experience the global game in all its forms, from the biggest tournaments to the next generation of stars.

For updates regarding the FIBA and other sports, fans can connect to @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit espn.com.

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The Season Ahead

Reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, enter the new campaign with confidence hoping to become the first team to win a back-to-back championship since the Golden State Warriors in 2018. Challengers like the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks and the Warriors will be eager to make their own mark, while new talents continue to inject energy and excitement into the game.

Every matchup promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats as teams battle to secure their place in the post-season. ESPN Africa will broadcast three live games every week with additional repeats during regular programming hours, ensuring that fans never miss the big moments. From buzzer beaters to game-winning performances, the season will be packed with must-watch action that brings fans closer to the heart of the sport.

Basketball and Beyond

The return of the NBA adds to an already impressive lineup of world-class sporting entertainment on the ESPN channels. Viewers can continue to enjoy a wide range of sports, including soccer, baseball, rugby, American football and more from the world’s most prestigious leagues.

ESPN is the world’s leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment entity featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia sports assets. The home of American sports, ESPN showcases the very best live and studio sports programming coming out of the US as well as key international sporting leagues. NBA (National Basketball Association), NFL (National Football League), NHL (National Hockey League), MLB (Major League Baseball), MLR (Major League Rugby), NCAA Collegiate Sports and the latest from live football leagues including the Dutch Eredivisie, the English Football League, the Turkish Super Lig, The Saudi Pro League, the German DFB Pokal, the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League), the UEFA Women’s Championship and the Scottish Premier League.

ESPN is available on MultiChoice’s DStv, on StarTimes across Africa and on Disney+ in South Africa.

For updates regarding basketball and other American sports, fans can connect to @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit espn.com.

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On ESPN, a world of sport awaits Disney+ customers with the National Rugby League in Australia (Aussie Rules) and Japan’s Rugby League, plus top European football action, including the Scottish Professional Football League, English Football League, Dutch Eredivisie, German Football Association Cup and Turkey’s SüperLig, along with the Saudi Pro League.

ESPN 2 brings the biggest American sports, showcasing the NBA (National Basketball Association), NFL (National Football League), MLB (Major League Baseball) and NHL (National Hockey League), along with women’s and college competitions such as the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League), NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and ESPN College Football.

Both ESPN channels also broadcast studio shows capturing the latest news and analysis from across American sport and football, including “ESPN FC”, “First Take”, “The Pat McAfee Show” and “SportsCenter”. Critically acclaimed and celebrated documentaries and original programming are also available, including ESPN’s award-winning library of 30 for 30 films.

Says Diego Londono, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Networks & Sports, The Walt Disney Company EMEA: “At Disney, we are committed to delivering world-class sports and entertainment to customers across the region. The launch of the ESPN Africa linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa reflects our strategy to reach sports fans across multiple platforms and connect with new audiences, bringing iconic sporting moments together with the expansive and much-loved entertainment already available.” 

Adds Kyle de Klerk, Director: Sports for The Walt Disney Company Africa: “ESPN’s unparalleled content offering will provide Disney+ customers with access to the greatest historic and live sports programming from some of the most iconic leagues and events in the world. Fans will be able to enjoy thrilling action right away as the European Football season and the NFL (National Football League) have just launched, with existing milestones to look forward to in 2025 including the start of the NBA (National Basketball Association), the NHL (National Hockey League), and the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) football and basketball leagues.”

Disney+ has something for everyone — from blockbuster movies and hit series to much-loved Originals. Customers can enjoy FX’s “The Bear”, “The Kardashians”, “Only Murders in the Building”, “The Simpsons” and much more. The ESPN Africa linear channels will join a vast content catalogue from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and general entertainment, which also features content from Hulu, FX, Searchlight Pictures and 20th Century Studios.

All Disney+ Premium and Mobile plan customers with an 18+ content rating in South Africa will have access to the linear channels.

In addition to Disney+ in South Africa, ESPN is available on MultiChoice’s DStv and StarTimes across Africa.

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