CANAL+ secures exclusive rights to broadcast 2026 Commonwealth Games across Sub-Saharan Africa

CANAL+ has secured the broadcast rights for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, confirming that the sporting spectacle in Glasgow, Scotland, will be televised live on SuperSport platforms across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The company announced on Thursday that the Games, scheduled for July 23 to August 2, 2026, will be available to subscribers on DStv, DStv Stream, GOtv and GOtv Stream, with comprehensive coverage tailored to showcase Africa’s athletes.

In South Africa, SuperSport channels will be supplied by CANAL+ Africa to licence holder MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd, which provides the DStv service to subscribers.

With more than 500 African athletes expected to compete, the broadcaster said this year’s edition promises to be one of the most anticipated Commonwealth Games for viewers across the continent.

To ensure extensive coverage, SuperSport will dedicate two channels exclusively to the Games, featuring live broadcasts of headline events and curated coverage of Africa’s leading medal contenders. Additional competitions will be available on overflow channels across both linear television and streaming platforms.

A third dedicated channel, SuperSport Maximo 2 and 3, will focus on Mozambican athletes.

Chief Executive Officer of CANAL+ Africa and MultiChoice, David Mignot, said acquiring the rights underscores the company’s commitment to delivering premium sports content that resonates with African audiences.

“We are pleased to confirm the broadcast rights for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will be available on SuperSport to our DStv and GOtv Access subscribers, with a dedicated focus on the African athletes who will aim to do their countries and the continent proud at this major global athletics showpiece,” Mignot said.

“The broadcast of the Commonwealth Games is a continuation of our investment in ensuring that our viewers and subscribers receive the sports and entertainment content that resonates with them the most.”

The Glasgow Games will feature 10 sports and six para-sports across four iconic venues: Scotstoun Stadium, the Scottish Event Campus, Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena, and Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

Africa will field a formidable contingent across several disciplines.

Nigeria is expected to arrive with one of the continent’s strongest teams, led by former world record holder Tobi Amusan, reigning Commonwealth long jump champion Ese Brume, weightlifting stars Rafiatu Lawal and Adijat Olarinoye, and shot put champion Chukwuebuka Enekwechi.

East Africa’s long-distance pedigree will also be on display through Tanzanian runners Alphonse Simbu, Gabriel Geay, Jackline Sakilu, Failuna Abdi Matanga, and emerging talent Joseph Panga.

Ghana’s medal hopes will rest on sprinters Benjamin Azamati, Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, Joseph Paul Amoah, Edwin Gadayi, and high jumper Rose Amoanimaa Yeboah, while Morocco’s Olympic steeplechase champion Soufiane El Bakkali and Côte d’Ivoire sprint star Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith headline the Francophone contingent.

South Africa’s challenge will be spearheaded by Olympic swimming medallist Chad le Clos, sprint star Akani Simbine, world champion swimmer Pieter Coetzé, javelin thrower Jo-Anè van Dyk, and 400m runner Lythe Pillay.

Subscribers across Southern Africa will be able to watch the Games live on SS Variety 3 and SS Variety 4, while viewers in the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa can tune in to SS Africa 1 and SS Africa 2, which will be rebranded as SS Commonwealth 1 and SS Commonwealth 2 for the duration of the event.

Live scores, breaking news and highlights will also be available on SuperSport’s digital platforms throughout the 11-day competition.