June 5 – Canal+, the international media giant that owns sub-Saharan Africa broadcast heavyweight MultiChoice, has renewed its media rights agreement with South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) organisers.
No value was given for the renewal which was described as “long term”. The Premier Soccer League (PSL) and SuperSport first partnered in 2007 when they signed five-year deal reportedly worth R1 billion ($61 million).
This deal covers the country’s top-flight Premiership, second-tier Championship, and the trio of domestic knockout cups – the MTN 8 (for the top-eight teams in the Premiership), the Nedbank Cup, and the Carling Knockout Cup.
PSL chair Irving Khoza said: “The rights secured through this agreement will provide stability to our clubs, certainty to our supporters, opportunities for our players, and a foundation upon which the next generation of South African football can continue to grow.”
MultiChoice will disseminate coverage via its SuperSport brand of linear networks across Sub-Saharan Africa via the DStv satellite broadcast offering.
Canal+ chief executive for Africa, David Mignot, added: “The extension of our partnership with the PSL is an important moment for Canal+ following our acquisition of MultiChoice Group last year. It underscores our commitment to invest in compelling local sports and entertainment content across Africa.”
Mignot continued: “The continued success of South African club football is reflected in one of the most competitive Premiership seasons in recent memory, with the title only being decided on the final matchday. That level of competition, together with the growing strength of South African clubs, is a testament to the vision and leadership that have helped shape the PSL over many years.”
The Premiership has bookmaker Betway as its naming rights sponsor – Betway Premiership – while the charitable foundation of South African business mogul (and Sundowns owner) Patrice Motsepe is the title sponsor of the second-tier Championship.
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