SABC won’t broadcast opening 2026/27 Betway Premiership fixtures
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will not televise the opening fixtures of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership this weekend, the public broadcaster confirmed on Friday.
In a media statement, the SABC said it regrets informing audiences that it cannot broadcast the matches scheduled for Saturday, 1 August 2026. Negotiations on the PSL sub-licensing agreement with CANAL+ remain ongoing and have not yet been finalised, despite positive progress in discussions.
The SABC said it remains committed to concluding the outstanding agreement as soon as possible and, subject to a successful outcome, anticipates starting Betway Premiership coverage from 15 August 2026.
On a brighter note, the broadcaster announced it has secured rights to the 2026 MTN8 tournament with CANAL+, ensuring free-to-air coverage of the cup competition for South African viewers.
SABC Group CEO Nomsa Chabeli said the MTN8 deal means millions of viewers will again enjoy one of the country’s premier domestic football competitions on free-to-air television. She thanked CANAL+ for its collaboration and expressed optimism that the Premiership talks would be concluded soon.
The SABC thanked football supporters for their patience while the remaining discussions continue.
