For many Africans, MultiChoice is synonymous with DStv, Showmax, or SuperSport. But behind the satellite dishes and streaming apps lies a far-reaching media empire that has been carefully built over three decades.

While the MultiChoice Group officially came into existence in 1995, its roots go back to M-Net, a pay-TV channel launched in 1986 as part of a bold strategy by media giant Naspers to move away from print.

From one channel to an empire spanning entertainment, sports, cybersecurity, fintech, and even insurance, here’s a look at the companies that fall under MultiChoice’s control.

M-Net

M-Net is the oldest brand in the MultiChoice family and still one of its most valuable. Originally launched as a single channel, M-Net has expanded into more than 20 individual channels broadcasting African and international content. MultiChoice owns 100% of M-Net.

SuperSport

Born in 1990 out of a single rugby broadcast, SuperSport has become a global benchmark in sports coverage. From football to cricket and beyond, SuperSport is one of MultiChoice’s biggest content drivers. It is fully owned by MultiChoice.

DStv

Launched in 1995 as Africa’s first digital satellite service, DStv now operates in 50 countries, offering over 135 channels across various packages. DStv is wholly owned by MultiChoice and remains its flagship platform for traditional TV subscribers.

Irdeto

Originally founded in the Netherlands in 1969, Irdeto became part of MultiChoice in the late 1990s. It handles content protection and cybersecurity, especially during the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. Today, Irdeto is 100% owned by MultiChoice.

Showmax

To keep up with the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, MultiChoice launched Showmax in 2015. Following strategic partnerships and two major relaunches, including a 30% stake acquisition by Comcast in 2023, MultiChoice currently owns 70% of Showmax.

KingMakers (BetKing)

MultiChoice took a bold step outside broadcasting in 2020 by acquiring a 20% stake in Nigerian sports betting firm KingMakers. It later increased that stake to 49%, bringing the BetKing platform into South Africa and expanding its reach in sports gaming.

Moment

Launched in 2023, Moment is MultiChoice’s fintech arm. Designed to offer digital payment services across the continent, it represents the company’s growing interest in financial technology. MultiChoice owns Moment outright.

NMS Insurance Services (NMSIS)

NMSIS was created in 2005 to provide insurance-related services. While MultiChoice initially owned 100% of the company, it sold 60% to Sanlam in 2024 for R1.2 billion. MultiChoice now holds a 40% stake.

SuperSportBet

An offshoot of its sports broadcasting business, SuperSportBet was launched in early 2024 as a betting platform. It expands MultiChoice’s involvement in the sports betting space and works alongside KingMakers to target both Nigerian and South African markets.

What you should know

While MultiChoice has built an impressive portfolio, it has also caught the attention of major international players. In 2024, French broadcasting giant Canal+ moved to acquire MultiChoice after crossing a 35% ownership threshold. 

With approval from South Africa’s Competition Tribunal, the deal now appears to be moving ahead.

MultiChoice may have started with just one pay-TV channel, but today it’s a complex ecosystem of entertainment, tech, and financial services, one that’s shaping how Africa consumes content and beyond.