ESPN Africa has expanded its rugby portfolio after acquiring English-language rights to France’s top domestic competition, the Top 14, in a multi-year agreement.
The deal will see matches broadcast across sub-Saharan Africa via ESPN’s linear channels and Disney+, with four live games shown each weekend alongside select playoff fixtures.
The move strengthens the region’s access to elite European rugby, replacing previous coverage by SABC, and aligns with ESPN’s broader strategy to deepen its premium sports offering across key growth markets.
For the Ligue Nationale de Rugby, the agreement represents a push to expand the international footprint of the Top 14, particularly in rugby-strong territories like South Africa.
With a growing number of South African players competing in the league and increasing global demand for top-tier rugby content, the partnership reflects the continued internationalisation of domestic competitions through strategic media rights deals.