Image created by AI
In a groundbreaking move for South African football fans, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has announced a landmark agreement to bring the English Premier League (EPL) to a wider audience through a free-to-air package. The deal sees the national broadcaster air selected Premier League fixtures, beginning with the intriguing encounter between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers this Saturday.
Cornering a coveted spot in sports broadcasting, SABC has joined forces with sports marketing company Infront to offer this thrilling content. Ornamenting their sports portfolio, SABC will treat its viewers to a live Premier League match slated for every Saturday at 3 pm local time. This move will democratize the viewing of one of the globe's most prestigious football leagues, previously the mainstay of SuperSport and its digital arm, Showmax.
The revered Premier League kicks off with giants Manchester United encountering Fulham on Friday night, setting the stage for a compelling season. While SuperSport retains the comprehensive rights to all matches, SABC's package ensures free access to 33 live games throughout the season, broadcast through S3 and digital mediums including www.sabcsport.com and the SABC+ app.
This strategic step aligns with SABC Sport's ambition to bring universally revered football action to the South African audience without a paywall. The live airing of the matches will be complemented by pre-match build-ups, insightful previews, and the latest news on teams and athletes, delivered by seasoned SABC Sport anchors and analysts. The aim is to encapsulate the complete match-day experience across both television and digital platforms.
Keletso Totlhanyo, the Head of Sport at the SABC, hailed the deal as a strategic milestone that not only heightens the network's sporting profile but also opens up numerous marketing avenues for SABC Sport and the network's other brands. Totlhanyo expressed excitement about fostering a sense of celebration among South Africans nationwide and aspirations toward a lengthy and prosperous partnership with the English Premier League.
The deal is a tangible reflection of the SABC's ongoing transformation and its commitment to serving the South African public with top-quality content. With the new season dawning, football enthusiasts across the country have reason to rejoice, as they stand to enjoy the highs and lows of the Premier League with unprecedented access, thanks to the SABC's inclusive broadcast initiative.