Business Report

Your Heroes, Your Football: DStv Brings the Saudi Pro League's Superstars to Africa

Africa can now watch global superstars

Sameer Naik|Published

The Saudi Pro Football League is now available on DStv through ESPN Africa, bringing top-tier talent like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané to screens across the continent. Football fans can now catch every moment of the thrilling season.  

Riyad Mahrez in action for Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli.

Image: Supplied

On August 21, DStv is set to deliver another spectacular chapter of world-class football, bringing the ROSHN Saudi League to screens across Africa. Thanks to ESPN Africa, football fans across Africa can now watch global superstars, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané, compete live in action on DStv channels 218 and 219 (ESPN and ESPN 2).  

The announcement comes as ESPN Africa, available to DStv subscribers, secured the exclusive broadcast rights to one of the fastest growing and most exciting leagues in the world. This landmark deal means that fans in sub-Saharan Africa will no longer have to miss a moment of the incredible talent that has flocked to the Saudi League.  

From Thursday, 28 August 2025, through to the final match round in May 2026, ESPN Africa will bring viewers the very best of the ROSHN Saudi League, with three matches per round. The coverage will include games from Al Nassr and other powerhouse clubs such as Al Ahli, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad.   

Global football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in action in the Saudi Pro League with his club Al Nassr.

Image: Supplied

Adding to the excitement, DStv subscribers can also catch the Kings Cup and Saudi Super Cup quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals. 

"This is a massive win for football fans across Africa," says MultiChoice CEO, Byron du Plessis.  

"Our goal is to bring the best and most compelling content to our subscribers, and the addition of the ROSHN Saudi League is a perfect example of that commitment. Now, fans can watch their heroes like Cristiano Ronaldo live in action, competing in a truly world-class league that is redefining the global game." 

The Saudi League is excited to forge its new partnership with ESPN, a move that will significantly expand its global reach.   

"Partnering with ESPN Africa marks another important step in expanding the global footprint of the Roshn Saudi League,” said Wael Al Fayez, Chief Commercial Officer, Saudi Pro League.  

“The region they cover is a key market for us, both commercially and culturally, and this agreement ensures that millions of fans across the continent can connect with our competition more closely than ever before.”   

Brazilian star midfielder Fabinho in action with his club Al Ittihad.

Image: Supplied

“By working with a broadcaster of ESPN’s calibre, we continue to deliver on our vision of growing the league’s international profile and creating new opportunities for engagement with clubs, partners and supporters," added Al Fayez. 

The league is a hub for global superstars, and the talent on display is undeniable.   

While Cristiano Ronaldo remains a major drawcard, he is joined by an impressive lineup of international talent, including Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, João Cancelo, João Félix, and Fabinho.