She catches the first 10 minutes of Nigeria vs. whoever – live, free, crystal-clear (oh Nigeria is not playing at the World Cup this year. Ok, let’s say Ghana). The drama hooks her instantly.

By halftime she’s convinced her mates to stream the rest on their local broadcaster. Meanwhile, a creator she follows drops a tactical breakdown with sponsor shoutouts woven in naturally.

Everyone wins: the fan gets the game her way, FIFA reaches a new generation, broadcasters sell more ads, and brands get their message in front of millions who were never glued to traditional TV.That scenario isn’t fan fiction.

It’s the exact playbook behind the Preferred Platform deal FIFA and YouTube announced on March 17, 2026.

This isn’t a full handover of live rights (traditional broadcasters still own the main feast). It’s something smarter: a digital appetizer that supercharges reach, unlocks fresh ad revenue, and future-proofs the world’s biggest sporting event.

The Deal:

Official media partners – think FOX, Telemundo, SuperSport, beIN, and others, can stream the first 10 minutes of every single one of the 104 matches live on their YouTube channels.

It’s the ultimate hook, enough action to get hearts racing, then a gentle nudge: “Full match on our main channel.” Select full matches will also stream on those same YouTube channels, market-by-market.

FIFA is flooding YouTube with premium archive, full classic games, iconic moments, behind-the-scenes footage. A global creator program gives independent YouTubers official access to produce highlights, analysis, Shorts, and player profiles.

Crucially, media partners now monetize this content directly on YouTube through pre-roll, mid-roll, and other ad formats, extra revenue on top of their traditional broadcast deals. No cannibalization, just multiplication.

Mattias Grafström FIFA secretary general, called it “game-changing.”

He’s right. After TikTok got a similar deal earlier in 2026, YouTube, already the second-biggest Preferred Platform, brings the scale: 2 billion logged-in users monthly and a sports audience that watched 35 billion hours of content last year alone (up 45% year-over-year).

The Numbers That Make Marketers’ Hearts Race

Let’s talk money, because this partnership isn’t charity. FIFA’s overall haul is record-breaking. The 2023–2026 cycle is projected to generate around $13 billion total, with roughly $8.9 billion landing in 2026 alone.

Broadcasting rights are expected to hit $3.9–4.3 billion (up from $3.4 billion in Qatar). Sponsorships are sold out at over $2.8 billion.

Tickets and hospitality add another $3 billion. This 48-team tournament in North America is simply printing money.

U.S. broadcasters are set for a Super Bowl-sized payday. FOX and Telemundo are projected to pull in $850 million in advertising revenue, just from the World Cup.

That’s more than double the $384 million they made in 2018. The combination of home-soil hosting, expanded format, and U.S. participation is the rocket fuel.

YouTube’s slice is the growth story. In 2022, even with more limited rights, fans watched over 600 million hours of World Cup content on the platform.

One Brazilian creator (CazéTV) gained 5.5 million subscribers and racked up 500 million views. Live streams hit peaks of 6 million concurrent viewers. Now imagine that multiplied by official 10-minute live kickoffs, full select matches, creator content, and Shorts that live forever in the algorithm.

Global ad spend tied to the tournament is forecast to surge by $10.5 billion in the quarter it runs – 1.1% incremental lift to the entire ad market.

A big chunk of that incremental money is shifting to digital platforms like YouTube, where brands can target precisely rather than buy 30-second TV spots.

Advertisers and Sponsors

The Real Winners: Traditional World Cup sponsors (Adidas, Coca-Cola, Visa, etc.) already have global deals locked in. But the YouTube layer opens the floodgates for everyone else:Precision targeting on steroids.

A brand selling energy drinks can hit 18–34-year-olds in emerging markets who discover the tournament via YouTube teasers. Cost-per-view is dramatically lower than TV, and engagement is higher because people choose to watch.

Creator economy gold –  

Official creator content means authentic integrations, think a popular analyst breaking down Messi’s movement while a watch brand flashes on screen. Trust transfers directly. Highlights, Shorts, and archive footage keep generating ad impressions for months after the final whistle. It’s not one-and-done like a live match.

Gen Z and Millennials in Africa, Asia, and Latin America aren’t always parking themselves in front of a TV for 90+ minutes. YouTube meets them where they are, phones, laptops, living rooms.

For broadcasters, the YouTube money is pure upside. They keep their primary TV/streaming revenue and earn from digital ads. FIFA gets broader reach without eroding the value of its billion-dollar broadcast contracts. YouTube cements its position as the go-to sports destination.

The Human Side:

Fans First, Business Second – The genius here is that it feels generous to fans while being ruthlessly smart for business.

In markets where paywalls (like DSTV in parts of Africa) frustrate younger viewers, those 10-minute live windows become the entry point. A casual scroll turns into lifelong fandom.

And every time someone watches a highlight or creator reaction, another ad plays.As the tournament kicks off in June, expect to see brands everywhere, not just during water breaks on TV, but in the Shorts that get millions of views overnight, in creator videos that feel like chatting with mates, and in the algorithm that keeps serving up World Cup magic long after the final.

FIFA and YouTube didn’t just sign a partnership. They rewrote the sports media playbook: give fans more ways in, let creators amplify the magic, and let advertisers ride the wave across every screen.

The pitch is bigger than ever, and the business side is scoring goals before the first whistle even blows.

The post Beyond 90 Minutes: FIFA–YouTube’s Billion-Dollar World Cup Play appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The company said eligible users will get free access to DStv Stream Compact from April 1 until the end of May. After that, they can continue at R99 ($5.90) a month for 12 months. The standard price is R299 ($17.83).

The offer is aimed at keeping viewers as Showmax closes on April 30. From that date, all content, including Showmax Originals, will sit on DStv Stream.

Subscribers must sign up for DStv Stream, create a new profile and follow instructions sent to their registered email. MultiChoice said the process takes less than five minutes, but it still requires users to opt in.

That step could affect how many people make the switch. The company has not shared current Showmax subscriber numbers, so it is not known how many users may drop off.

The R99 price is lower than several competitors. It sits below Netflix’s standard plan in South Africa and includes live sport through SuperSport, which other platforms do not offer. DStv Stream also combines live TV, films, series and children’s content in one app.

Still, the discount lasts for a year. After 12 months, the price returns to R299 a month. That jump could test how many customers stay on beyond the promotional period.

The offer comes with conditions. Subscribers must keep their accounts active and payments up to date throughout the 12 months. If payments lapse, the price resets to the standard rate.

The promotion is open to Showmax users who do not already have an active DStv subscription and who pay for Showmax directly. Existing DStv Compact, Compact Plus and Premium customers are excluded, as they already have access to Showmax content on DStv Stream at no extra cost.

Customers who decide not to move can request a refund for any unused portion of their Showmax subscription. Automatic payments will stop once the platform shuts down.

MultiChoice is also using the transition to push new and returning content on DStv Stream. These include the true-crime series The People vs VBS, available from 1 April, the final episode of Die Kantoor on 14 April, and a live broadcast of the Soweto Derby on 26 April.

The post MultiChoice Offers Showmax Users DStv Stream for About $6 Ahead of Shutdown appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Let’s dive into the EPL top 5 must-watch games on SuperSport (DStv Ch. 203|GOtv Ch. 64).

1. Arsenal vs. West Ham United| Saturday, November 30

London pride is on the line as Arsenal continues its quest for the top spot. Can West Ham deliver a shock at home?

This London derby promises sparks as Arsenal visit the London Stadium to take on a reviving West Ham United. Arsenal, fresh from a thrilling 5-1 win over Sporting CP last Tuesday, aim to solidify their top spot, while West Ham seek redemption after their narrow defeat to Brighton.

Familiar faces? Declan Rice returns to face his old club, and all eyes will be on him. The match will air by 6:30 PM (WAT).

Did you know?

• Arsenal has a dominant record against West Ham, having won more Premier League matches against West Ham. West Ham has lost over 36 Premier League games and 15 games at home against Arsenal.

2. Liverpool vs. Manchester City| Sunday, December 1

This clash brings together two EPL giants in a game that could shape the title race.

Liverpool and Manchester City are set to lock horns in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season. This rivalry has defined the Premier League in recent years, and this encounter comes with added stakes: City’s three-match losing streak in the EPL and Liverpool’s quest to extend their lead at the top of the table make this match crucial.

The outcome might determine whether Pep’s side can keep their dream of winning the title five times in a row alive. City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledges the challenge his side faces, especially with Anfield’s daunting atmosphere.

Liverpool, however, is brimming with confidence. After a resounding 2-0 win against Real Madrid in their last outing, Jürgen Klopp’s men seem unstoppable at home. The match will air by 5:00 PM (WAT).

Did you know?

• Manchester City has beaten Liverpool twice across 26 Premier League trips to Anfield.

3. Chelsea vs. Aston Villa| Sunday, December 1

Chelsea’s impressive form under Enzo Maresca faces a tough test as they host Aston Villa. With Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson finding form, the Blues look sharper in attack, but Villa’s defensive duo of Ezri Konsa, who is expected to make a comeback after being out of play due to injury, and Tyrone Mings might prove impenetrable for Chelsea’s attackers.

The match will air by 2:30 PM (WAT).

Did you know?

• Chelsea and Aston Villa have played 60 games since 1995. Among them, Chelsea won 31 games, while Aston Villa won 14 with 15 games ending in a draw.

4. Crystal Palace v Newcastle United| Saturday, November 30

Newcastle, after a 2-0 home game defeat to West Ham United, will take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Struggling in the relegation zone with only eight points this season, Oliver Glasner’s men need to turn things around, and a win against Newcastle can help boost the team’s morale.

The match will air by 4:00 PM (WAT).

Did you know?

• Palace have lost 3 games at home this season and won only 1.

5. Tottenham Hotspur vs. Fulham| Sunday, December 1

Spurs, chasing a top-four finish, face a Fulham side looking to shake off inconsistency.

Fresh out of a 4-0 win against title holders, Spurs’ attacking philosophy under Ange Postecoglou continues to excite fans, and Sunday’s clash with Fulham offers another opportunity for Son Heung-min and James Maddison to shine.

The match will air by 2:30 PM (WAT).

Did you know?

• Son Heung-Min has scored only 3 goals against Fulham in the Premier League in his career. [Featured Image Credit]

The post From Title Battles to Survival Fights: This Weekend’s EPL Top 5 Games appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The popular Sub-Saharan Africa pay tv service provider, Multichoice, announced they won’t be broadcasting the biennial tournament due to hosting right.

This comes just nine days to the start of the tournament which holds from January 13 to February 11 in Ivory Coast.

“SuperSport Channel will not broadcast the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 scheduled for January 13th to February 11th, 2024, because the channel has not secured the rights to broadcast the tournament.

DStv has been a reliable source of football contents across the world for subscribers in Africa, and Nigerians particularly are left disappointed by the feeling of not being able to watch the Super Eagles’ challenge for a fourth title.

The DStv blackout is not unconnected to the new order in the African football television space after Togolese broadcaster New World TV won the Free-to-Air and Pay TV rights to all CAF competitions in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

The rights were previously held by the African Union of Broadcasters, SuperSport International, and Canal Plus.

It was reported that New World TV and CAF entered into a three-year deal as the rights holders of 13 competitions in total, which will include the 2023 and 2025 AFCON tournaments across 46 countries in the region, including South Africa.

This means that free to air stations in the 46 countries looking to broadcast the AFCON and any other CAF competitions would now have to sublicense the rights through New World TV.

While some Nigerians were complaining, journalist Nurudeen Obalola also questioned CAF’s handling of the bidding.

“Again, CAF has handled this TV rights issue badly. Millions of fans across Africa will not be able to conveniently watch their teams at AFCON 2023. That’s what happened with the opening rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. What a shame.”

“Dealing with a third party and not CAF; this AFCON TV rights isn’t straightforward. If SuperSport couldn’t afford it and others can, then subscribers should move to right holders if it’s that easy,” another journalist Oluwashina Okeleji noted. (Punch)

The post Why DStv (SuperSport) Will Not Broadcast AFCON 2023 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

It’s not always practical to go to a stadium and physically watch a game but thanks to technology, you can now save time and enjoy a wide variety of sport at a click of a button and from wherever you are.

With sport apps from AppGallery you can now receive real-time sports news, line-ups, detailed reports and view high-quality streaming without a subscription.

Currently the app market is infiltrated with sport streaming applications making it more worthwhile for you to find and install the best ones.

Here are four apps that will guarantee that you get the greatest sporting experience:

1. SuperSport: Offering you live sport, news and highlights

If you’re a sport enthusiast who loves football, cricket, rugby, golf, tennis and more then you’re in luck.

With SuperSport, you can now stay glued to your mobile device and enjoy video highlights, sports news, live scores, results, fixtures, schedules and rankings.

Even more exciting is that you’ll receive real-time notifications that allow you to keep up with your favourite team and sport starts as they go head-to-head with their oppositions.

Want to stay on your toes and explore what’s happening in the world of sport? Simply link your app to live streamlining on the DStv app using the Connect ID which is available in Sub-Saharan Africa and surrounding areas.

Using your profile on the app, you can also personalise the interface to display only the teams, events, and competitions you want to view.

2. LiveScore: Enjoy live commentary, access to online groups and match conversations

In-depth coverage of all competitive sports can be just a click away when you download the LiveScore app. Get real-time updates of line-ups, match previews and live results of matches from the Premier league, La Liga or Twenty20 cricket.

LiveScore is for all sport fanatics, from tennis enthusiasts who enjoy each slam on the courts, cricket lovers who want to follow ball-by-ball commentary and wickets, basketball devotees who enjoy the NBA and even hockey observers who are enticed by functionality and speed.

3. Champions League Official: Create and compete in a fantasy league

Ever dreamt of creating your own football game? You can now do this digitally with the Champions League Official app, which allows you to select your own team and compete against others.

You can do this and more such as watch live sport, receive score updates and get access to player statistics. You can also revisit archives of the past games and relive the thrill of champions such as Real Madrid, Liverpool, Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea and more.

4. Showmax: Live and pre-recorded sport entertainment

Enjoy entertainment like no other with Showmax, a must-have app for all movies, series and sport. For a monthly fee, you can get limited news and updates on your favourite teams and soccer stars.

Simply press on the sport icon and open up a digital world of live sport, sport bulletins, recent highlights and more.

Showmax goes beyond showcasing the latest games by unifying entertainment and sport. You will get treated to sport magazine and talk shows, sport movies and shows.

Subscribers can also look forward to selected Premier League matches, MultiChoice Diski Challenge matches and international football matches and tournaments from all over the world.

This November, you can sit in the comfort of your home with friends and family and enjoy a range of sport at your fingertips. Apps such as SuperSport, LiveScore, Champions League Official, Showmax and more, will provide you with incredible sporting action that will see you support and celebrate your favourite teams.

The post Sport Action at Your Fingertips: Live Streaming Apps You Don’t Want to Miss appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Showmax Pro is a streaming service available for subscribers in Africa that bundles the existing Showmax entertainment offering with music channels, news, and live sports streaming from SuperSport.

The news comes at a time when Showmax Pro is ramping up for its biggest live broadcasting event yet – the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where all 64 matches will be streamed live, courtesy of SuperSport. 

The 4K stream will have up to 50 frames per second (fps), double the standard 25 frames per second (fps) it made last year. Successful 4K tests have already taken place on selected Premier League matches.

According to Barry Dubovsky, the Chief Operating Officer of MultiChoice Connected Video, “This will be a significant landmark for the whole Showmax Pro team. We’re offering our sports fans the opportunity to watch the world’s greatest sports spectacle in 4K and HD.”

One reason for the remarkable growth of the streaming platform was the launch of the lowest data streaming option in Africa (50MB per hour) last year on iOS devices.

It’s More Than FIFA

Showmax Pro also gives football fans access to all the Premier League action, as well as the English Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A and more live games, all streaming courtesy of SuperSport. Other sports such as tennis, marathons and pro boxing matches are readily available for all sports fans.

The streaming platform also added popular sports documentary series such as Moment of Truth, which recounts the most iconic moments of the FIFA World Cup; HBO’s Emmy-winning 100 Foot Wave, about big wave surfing; and Tiger, the Critics’ Choice nominated look at the life, success and scandals of golf legend, Tiger Woods.

Showmax Pro is available at N3,200 per month for live streaming only on mobile and N6,300 per month, which allows you to register up to five devices.

The post Showmax Pro Records 111% Growth In Outstanding YoY Record appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.