Showmax 2.0 is on the horizon, signaling the conclusion of the Showmax Pro era, which offered live sports coverage. The forthcoming platform will shift its focus primarily to Premier League matches. However, Showmax has devised a plan for its affected customers.

As of October 1, 2023, customers will no longer have the option to renew their subscriptions for the Showmax Pro package. This development follows MultiChoice’s earlier announcement of its intention to revamp the platform. While details of the new service remain undisclosed, those familiar with Showmax’s operations are aware of a strategic partnership forged many months ago with NBCUniversal’s Peacock. This collaboration is set to bring new content and streaming technology to Showmax. The deal has also seen NBCUniversal and Sky acquire a 30% stake in Showmax, as the platform seeks to undergo its first-ever overhaul in a highly competitive market already served by platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Showmax issued a statement, stating, “From October 1, 2023, Showmax Pro will no longer be available for subscription. If you have an auto-renewal subscription, you won’t be charged after October 30, 2023, and you can continue to access the service until the last day of your subscription.”

What Will Happen to Active Showmax Pro Subscriptions? Showmax is gearing up for its revamp, with a keen focus on the Premier League and Africa’s top football leagues. The existing Showmax Pro service will be discontinued by November 30, 2023, as part of this transition. Showmax has indicated that new pricing and features will be revealed in due course. Current Showmax Pro subscribers in specific regions across the continent will have the opportunity to access live sports, live channels, and more through an exclusive DStv Stream and Showmax bundle deal.

Here are the specifics: In MultiChoice’s home market, South Africa, Showmax Pro will be included in the DStv Compact Plus Stream package, available at the same price as Showmax Pro. Showmax sweetens the deal by adding more sports channels to the Compact Plus Stream package (note the “Stream” term, as this is an online product separate from the traditional Compact Plus package delivered via satellite signals). However, South African viewers already enjoy the added benefit of Showmax Pro streaming Champions League matches, a feature not available in other African countries.

In other markets where Showmax Pro is available, existing customers will be transitioned to the DStv Stream package at the same price. This package will encompass all the content already featured in their version of Showmax Pro, excluding Champions League matches. DStv Stream, formerly known as DStv Now, is currently accessible in ten African markets: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Botswana, Namibia, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Showmax clarified, stating, “There are variations in what’s available in each country, based on content line-up, local conditions, and currency fluctuation. As an example, Showmax Pro in South Africa included Champions League football, which wasn’t included in other regions due to licensing agreements. The DStv Compact Plus package available to subscribers in South Africa aligns with what Showmax Pro customers had access to in this region, including events such as the Champions League.”

A Closer Look at NBCUniversal Peacock NBCUniversal’s Peacock is a streaming service offering a diverse range of content, including TV shows, movies, news, sports, and original programming. It provides both free and premium subscription tiers, with the premium tier offering an ad-free experience and access to its extensive content library. Similar to Showmax, Peacock features original shows, live streaming of NBCUniversal channels, offline viewing, personalized recommendations, and compatibility with various devices. Notably, Peacock is known for its integration with NBCUniversal properties, including live sports coverage such as the Premier League— which, in the context of the new partnership with Showmax, will be offered through Sky Sports.