Featuring major US sport as well as European football, fans across the continent can now look forward to premier American leagues, including the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Football League (NFL), National Hockey League (NHL) and Major League Baseball (MLB), via ESPN & ESPN2.

The channels will also feature live football from the English Football League (EFL), Scottish Premier Football League (SPFL), Dutch Eredivisie and Major League Soccer (MLS), as well as local sports including the West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations and featured boxing tournaments and events.

DStv customers can also anticipate the return of the NBA from the bio-bubble from Friday, 31 July, where LeBron James and the LA Lakers renew their city rivalry with the LA Clippers and Orlando Magic take on the Brooklyn Nets.

The Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season will also take prominence on ESPN, with fixtures between the Oakland Athletics and Colorado Rockies (29 July), and a triple header for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees from Saturday, 1 August to Monday, 3 August.

During June's financial results announcement, MCG reaffirmed its commitment to continue providing the best available content to its customers. This deal allows the company to provide a larger sports offering than before.

"As Africa’s leading video entertainment platform, we are unwavering in our commitment to ensure that we continue to find the best available content to delight our customers, both now and into the future," says MultiChoice Group CEO, Calvo Mawela.

"We endeavour to deliver both world-class international content as well as the very best in local content, giving our loyal customers a never-ending selection of outstanding entertainment," Mawela adds.

"From reliving the greatest moments in sports history to seeing those moments being made, ESPN’s compelling content and unique personality will be a complementary addition to MultiChoice Group’s sports offering," says Christine Service, senior vice president and country manager at The Walt Disney Company Africa.

"We are thrilled to be bringing the achievements and triumphs of both international and local athletes, as well as our quality storytelling and innovative programming, to a whole new audience of sports fans in Africa," Service adds.

Together with the live sports programming, viewers will also be able to catch up on the latest films, series, news, talk shows and highlights from ESPN’s sports documentary and studio programming.

"In addition to being the home of American sports, ESPN is equally well-known for its dedication to great storytelling, something we as Africa’s most-loved storyteller can identify with," concludes Mawela.

For more information, visit africa.espn.com. You can also follow ESPN on Twitter.