NFL Season Returns To ESPN Africa With Live Action

Danny Mdluli

American football is back, and this time the road to the Super Bowl is coming straight to screens across Africa.

The new NFL season kicks off on ESPN Africa on 9 September 2026, giving fans another chance to follow the drama, rivalries and big plays as all 32 teams begin their 18-week regular-season campaign.

Throughout the season, ESPN Africa will broadcast four live NFL games every week, bringing the action closer to fans across the continent.

The games will be available on ESPN and ESPN2 through platforms including DStv, Azam, StarTimes, Wananchi / Zuku TV and ZAP. In South Africa, fans can also access the ESPN and ESPN2 linear channels on Disney+.

And, because missing a game is not always an option, repeat broadcasts will also feature during regular programming hours.

This season, each NFL team will play 17 regular-season games as they battle for postseason places and, ultimately, a shot at the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Much of the attention will naturally fall on the Seattle Seahawks, who enter the new campaign as reigning Super Bowl champions. However, defending the title will be just one part of a much bigger story as established franchises, superstar players and emerging talent return to the field.

Then, as the regular season progresses, the stakes will continue to rise.

The playoff picture will take shape, rivalries will intensify and every win will become increasingly important for teams chasing a place in the postseason.

Eventually, the journey leads to Super Bowl LXI, where the champions of the NFL’s two conferences will meet for the league’s biggest prize.

For African audiences, ESPN’s weekly coverage means the journey can be followed from the opening games through to the defining moments of the season.

So, whether you are already deep into NFL culture or looking for a new sporting obsession, the countdown to Super Bowl LXI has officially begun.

The NFL is back, and the road starts on ESPN Africa.

How to tune in to ESPN:

ESPN: Azam 120, DStv 218, StarTimes 248, Wananchi / Zuku TV 712, ZAP 31.

ESPN2: Azam 121, DStv 219, StarTimes 249, Wananchi / Zuku TV 713, ZAP 32.

ESPN linear channels are available on Disney+ in South Africa

  • All times are stated in CAT / SAST.
  • Schedule subject to change
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Danny Mdluli https://www.dannywired.co.za/

Danny Mdluli is a South African journalist, content producer, event curator and publicist based in Johannesburg. His work focuses on entertainment, lifestyle, and fashion journalism, alongside music production, artist development, and event organization within the South African creative industry.

With a strong background spanning both media and music, he is also involved in public relations and creative communications. Danny has contributed to the development and promotion of emerging and established artists, working on projects that blend contemporary African sounds with jazz, gospel, and urban music influences.

He is actively engaged in event curation and the broader creative economy, with a focus on building sustainable platforms for local talent. His work reflects a commitment to growing the South African entertainment industry through collaboration, mentorship, and independent creative initiatives.

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