SuperSport, PSL tie up a new five-year broadcast deal
THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) yesterday announced an extension of its TV broadcast deal with SuperSport International for another five years, but the two parties remained unusually tight-lipped about the worth of the new terms.
It was expected that the pay-channel would again win the bidding for the media rights in Sub-Saharan Africa despite efforts from cash-strapped SABC and new kids on the block Kwese Sport, who forced a delay by requesting more time to submit their application.
There were reports that Vodacom and Telkom had been sniffing around, showing interest as they look to expand on several innovations. But they were never really any match for SuperSport, whose strong ties with the PSL are unrivalled.
“PSL is delighted to continue its special relationship which has existed over a 10-year period and has seen the Premier Soccer League grow into a worldclass product. We feel the relationship has resulted in tangible benefits for the Premier Soccer League, its clubs, players and South African football generally,” the league’s chairman Irvin Khoza said in a statement.
It’s believed that the value of this TV rights deal, which will run from the start of the 2019/2020 campaign, is significantly more than the R2bn from the previous agreement.
SuperSport paid the PSL R1-billion when the partnership began in 2007, a milestone which then forced the national broadcaster, the SABC, to sub-license the matches.
“Under the terms of the arrangement, PSL matches will continue to be covered on a free to air basis, (accommodating) the requirements of its fans throughout South Africa,” the league said, acknowledging that the financial challenges faced by the SABC will not close the door on the average football fan being able to catch the action on their TV screens.
The PSL broadcasting rights cover TV‚ IPTV‚ internet and mobile transmissions for the league’s competitions – and SuperSport controls all of it.
“The decision allows us to further entrench an outstanding soccer product in the hearts and minds of supporters across the continent. We must thank and acknowledge the PSL for entrusting us with their product,” said the channel’s chief executive, Gideon Khobane. “Having recently celebrated (10 years) with the PSL, this is a tremendous opportunity to further help grow and nourish the sport. This agreement will do much for South African football, for footballers and indeed their families.”
In the next five years Kwese could still emerge as a strong competitor, having shown a keen interest, but being held back due to not being in possession of a licence to broadcast in SA despite already having set up shop in the country.