The Premier Soccer League, organising body of the top two divisions of South African football, has agreed a new five-season deal with SuperSport, the pay-television broadcaster that operates in sub-Saharan Africa.
The new contract takes in the PSL’s 2019-20 to 2023-24 seasons, with games to continue to be provided on a free-to-air basis. The PSL said SuperSport clinched the deal following a competitive tender process.
PSL chairman Irvin Khoza said: “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 world-class product. We feel the relationship has resulted in tangible benefits for the Premier Soccer League, its clubs, players and South African football generally.”
The PSL last month extended the tender process for its next set of media rights, with a number of parties in contention for the packages on offer. Khoza said the decision to extend the process was made following a request from public-service broadcaster SABC.
SuperSport currently holds rights to the PSL in a two-season deal covering 2017-18 and 2018-19. This was an extension to a previous five-season deal from 2012-13 to 2016-17.
Gideon Khobane, chief executive of SuperSport, said: “Having recently celebrated our 10-year partnership 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.”