Pay-TV SuperSport to beam PSL games live for another five years

We have tangible benefits - Khoza

The Premier Soccer League has announced that pay-TV channel SuperSport have won the bid to renew their media rights for Sub-Saharan Africa for five years from the 2019-20 season.

Public broadcaster SABC and communications company Vodacom were the unsuccessful bidders.

SuperSport initially won the PSL’s broadcast rights in 2007 in a deal worth more than R1.6-billion‚ then renewed their rights in 2011 for another five years from the 2012-13 season in a contract worth over R2-billion.

“[The] PSL are delighted to announce that following the receipt of several bids and submissions to their Invitation to Tender‚ the winning bid was SuperSport‚” the league’s statement said.

The statement quoted PSL chairman Irvin Khoza as saying: “We feel the relationship has resulted in tangible benefits for the PSL‚ its clubs‚ players and South African football generally.

“Under the terms of the arrangement, PSL matches will continue to be covered on a free-to-air basis‚ acknowledging the requirements of its fans throughout South Africa.”

SuperSport chief executive officer Gideon Khobane was quoted as saying: “We are delighted to have been successful with our bid.

“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.”