Kenyan football enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate as they will soon be able to watch top European football matches for free. This exciting development is the result of a new partnership between TV47 and SportyTV, two prominent broadcasters in the region.
The agreement between TV47 and SportyTV involves simulcasting major football leagues, including the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga matches for the entire 2025/26 season. This means that millions of Kenyans who do not have access to pay-TV services can now enjoy world-class football on free-to-air channels.
SportyTV holds the official broadcasting rights according to this deal's details. In contrast, TV47 will air identical matches simultaneously allowing more viewers across Kenya to tune in.
Enhancing viewing experience with radio commentary
To further enhance this viewing experience, Radio47 will offer live match commentary and expert analysis. This feature is particularly beneficial for fans listening on-the-go or residing in areas with weak TV signals.
This move marks a significant step forward in Kenya’s television industry where top-level sports content has primarily been shown on subscription-based platforms. According to a 2023 report from the Communications Authority of Kenya, only about 15% of Kenyan homes subscribe to pay-TV services making free-to-air sports coverage an enormous win for most viewers.
Owned by Cape Media Group, TV47 has been expanding its sports content recently; it previously broadcasted events like the Kenyan Premier League and FIFA Club World Cup. On the other hand, SportyTV is known for forming partnerships that make top-tier sports content available to wider audiences across Africa.
Popularity rankings
In terms of popularity rankings based on an Infotrak report from 2024, TV47 was ranked as the fifth most popular TV station with a 25% market share. The top spot was held by NTV with a 65% market share, followed closely by KTN with 61%, and KBC securing the third position with 37%. Other ranked stations included K24 TV, KTN News, Citizen TV and Inooro among others.
The partnership between TV47 and SportyTV is set to revolutionize how Kenyan football fans access their favorite European matches. By offering free-to-air broadcasts of major leagues, this deal will undoubtedly increase viewership numbers while providing an enhanced viewing experience for sports fans across Kenya.
