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ESPN Africa has announced an exciting addition to its programming for sports fans across the continent as it has secured the broadcast rights to Japan RugbyLeague One (Division 1). Adding to its diverse variety of programming for rugby enthusiasts to enjoy, this exhilarating new league kicked off on ESPN recently and will run for the next six months, leading up to the finals in May 2024.
The Japan RugbyLeague One has 25 foreign players from seven different countries who participated at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, competing in the 2023/24 season of this prestigious league. The Springbok players signed up to play are: Franco Mostert (Mie Honda Heat), Pieter Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Faf de Klerk (Yokohama Canon Eagles), Damien de Allende (Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights), Jesse Kriel (Yokohama Canon Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath) and Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs).
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 12: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball against the Denver Broncos during the second quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 12, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
ESPN Africa is set to bring the ultimate festive season sports experience straight to your living room with a thrilling line-up of American sports during the upcoming holiday. From basketball, to American football and ice hockey, ESPN has all sports fans across the continent covered, including DStv Access Subscribers, following ESPN’s expansion to the tier.
Mark your calendar for these exciting games:
Christmas Eve – Sunday, 24 December 2023
20:00: ESPN presents a nail-biting NFL showdown (Fixture to be confirmed) in Week 16.
23:25: Stay tuned as ESPN delivers another spectacular NFL game (Fixture to be confirmed) in Week 16.
Christmas Day – Monday, 25 December 2023
03:15: Kick off your Christmas with an electrifying NFL match between Broncos and Patriots in Week 16.
19:00: NBA enthusiasts, gather round for the thrilling matchup between the New York Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks in the first of many Regular Season games this holiday.
20:00: Switch over to ESPN2 for a high-stakes NFL clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16.
21:30: NBA action continues with the Denver Nuggets facing off against the Golden State Warriors.
23:30: ESPN2 brings you another intense NFL battle, featuring the Philadelphia Eagles against the New York Giants in Week 16.
00:00: Cap off the day with an exciting NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics.
Boxing Day – Tuesday, 26 December 2023
03:00: Catch the NBA heat with the clash between Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers.
03:15: ESPN2 airs an intense NFL matchup between San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens in Week 16.
05:30: Wind down the day with a thrilling NBA game between the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks.
Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waves to fans before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and sports fans across Africa are in for a festive feast with the best American sports set to broadcast live across the continent on ESPN (DStv 218, Starsat 248) and ESPN2 (DStv 219, Starsat 249)on Christmas Day, with additional treats in store for Boxing Day.
After the family festivities ends and bellies are full on 25 December, NBA basketball kicks off with a live game between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at 19:00 (CAT) followed by the Dallas Mavericks vs the Los Angeles Lakers at 21:30. The action from the world’s top basketball league continues when the Boston Celtics take on the Milwaukee Bucks at midnight. These basketball games will air on ESPN.
I recently attended the ESPN Sports Fest which showcased what one can look forward to on the Disney owned channel this summer.
The mainly American sports channel, ESPN, also has an African component highlighting some African Sports content.
I got to play some American Football and pretend I was an NBA player by shooting some hoops on the mini basketball court. Others in attendance tried their hand at shadow boxing, at the media event.
Kyle de Klerk, Director of Sports Commercial and Business at The Walt Disney Company, addressed the audience and showcased what locals can look forward to in a short promo video – as can be seen in my TikTok & Instagram video below.
Mzansi Life & Style by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem 