Record Crowds Attend SA20 Matches

The third SA20 Live Streaming of the Betway SA20 has cemented its position as one of the best supported live sporting events in South Africa, with data across stadium attendance, television viewership and digital reach showcasing record-breaking growth. Over 400,000 fans streamed through the gates at six venues, with a 70% increase in sold-out fixtures including a sold-out Final for a third consecutive year – making this the League’s most-attended season to date. Crowned champions, MI Cape Town, created a new benchmark by selling out all five home games at their ground of Newlands, in what is a league first. The League also hit a major milestone by selling its millionth ticket during a clash between Joburg Super Kings and Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Wanderers.

Young Talent Emerges in SA20

TV viewership on SuperSport also increased by a significant 47%, reflecting the League’s continued collaboration with broadcasters to grow new audiences for SA20. The season’s opening fixture between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town was the most viewed SA20 match to date, while the Final saw a 72% uplift in viewership as people tuned in to watch new Champions MI Cape Town defend their title.

SA20’s commitment to youth and talent development both on and off the field was showcased through various initiatives during Season 3. The League’s learnership programme gave 26 young industry talents – including four Laureus YES program recipients and six photography students – the opportunity to gain experience, while the inaugural Schools SA20 competition drew entries from over 600 schools, with Steyn City School (Johannesburg) and Bishops Diocesan College (Cape Town) crowned as champions. The League also raised R630 000 for its social impact partner, the Laureus Sports for Good Foundation, which uses sport including cricket programmes to help young people overcome limitations imposed by challenging social issues like poverty, homelessness, violence, drug abuse and AIDS.