Football fans across Africa have received the welcome news that StarTimes will reportedly broadcast all the matches in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) live. The announcement comes after rival broadcaster DStv shocked fans by revealing that they would not be showing the tournament due to broadcasting rights issues.
StarTimes, which offers digital terrestrial and satellite TV services across 30 African countries, serving over 13 million subscribers, tweeted the news from its Rwandan account on Thursday. A spokesperson confirmed to Techeconomy that Nigerian subscribers would also be able to watch AFCON 2023 live on StarTimes sports channels when the tournament kicks off.
The announcement will come as a relief to the millions of passionate football fans across the continent, who were facing the prospect of not being able to watch their national teams compete in Ivory Coast. This confirmation of live AFCON coverage will likely lead to a surge in new subscribers signing up with StarTimes in nations whose teams have qualified for what is Africa’s largest international football tournament.
Football-loving fans across the continent will be eagerly anticipating the start of the biennial competition, which was postponed in 2023 due to adverse weather conditions. With a potential audience of hundreds of millions of viewers, the AFCON 2023 broadcast rights represent a major commercial opportunity for StarTimes.
Advertising revenue over the month-long tournament is expected to be substantial. Meanwhile, rivals DStv will lose out financially from their failure to secure the rights this year, disappointing their subscribers in the process.
More Stories
Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Dewsbury-Hall delivers as Chelsea triumph in six-goal thriller against Gent
Harry Maguire rescues point for 10-man Manchester United after Porto pain