This follows talks that have been on going between MultiChoice Group’s SuperSport, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), minister of sport Nathi Mthethwa, Stella Ndabeni- Abrahams (minister Communication and Digital) and PSL, today.
The agreement between SuperSport and the SABC is for five years and recognizes the need to maintain the financial sustainability of the PSL, as well as ensuring that the SABC delivers on its public mandate of serving the interests of South Africans in regards to Sports.
The blackout was also felt by sponsors who threatened to withdraw from the deal, citing that they will lose millions of rands in Ad revenue and huge footprint that SABC has.
“We remain committed to the long-term investment in sports in South Africa and the rest of Africa. In the previous financial year MCG invested over R2,3bn in sports on the continent. An important element of the investment is in sports broadcasting and sponsorship rights, which provide critical revenue streams for sports bodies that filter down to every tier and has an undeniable impact on the development of sport,” said MultiChoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela.
The SABC’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Madoda Mxakwe stated “In line with our public mandate we are pleased to have reached an agreement, in the interest of the South African public. Most importantly, this commercially viable deal is aligned to the goal of having a financially sustainable public broadcaster.
The SABC will continue to discharge its public mandate in a manner which is not only sustainable for the organisation, but ensures that the South African public have access to sports of national interest such as the PSL.”
So, as from this Saturday expect commentaries from both radio and television.
Image (Ban lifted. Min Stella Nbeni- Abrahams (Communication and Digital) and other parties have agreed the public broadcaster will now broadcast soccer on all platforms).
