The SA20 League has kicked off its third season with unprecedented success, solidifying its position as a dominant force in cricket. The opening match between defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town shattered previous records, drawing a remarkable 382,778 unique live viewers on SuperSport. This represents a staggering 129% increase from Season 2’s opener, making it the second-highest live opening viewership of the summer cricket season on SuperSport, narrowly behind the T20I series between South Africa and India.
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The league also outpaced the viewership of IPL and Big Bash League games within the South African market, highlighting its growing appeal. The opening week saw further success with sold-out crowds at four of the six matches, despite rain interruptions, and an impressive 79% attendance rate across six games.
Graeme Smith, the SA20 League Commissioner, attributed the achievements to a concerted effort to create a compelling cricket and entertainment experience. “We’ve worked hard to establish the League as a property that appeals to viewers at home and those who come to the stadium,” Smith said. “These numbers give us the confidence that we are on the right track to keep building on a strong foundation. The collective support of our franchises, SuperSport, and the fans has played a key role in our success, and over the next three weeks of the tournament, we will continue to work together to deliver something special for the fans.”
The league’s partnership with SuperSport has been instrumental in its success, with select matches broadcast on DSTV Access through the SuperSport Variety 4 Channel, ensuring a wider audience demographic. Tumelo Selikane, Managing Director of Nielsen Sports SA, noted the significance of the viewership numbers. “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the SA20 League,” Selikane said. “The strong viewership numbers are a testament to the League’s growing popularity and the exceptional work of SuperSport and the League. This is fantastic news for their sponsors and a clear indication that the League is transforming the appeal of domestic cricket in South Africa.”
Beyond viewership, the SA20 League has drawn significant commercial interest, attracting new sponsors and elevating its value as a platform for brand engagement. The heightened audience engagement and exposure are expected to bring substantial media value returns to franchise teams and their partners.
With record-breaking viewership, sold-out matches, and growing commercial appeal, SA20 Season 3 is poised for continued success, further cementing its status as a premier sporting event in South Africa.
(Data source: Nielsen Sports SA)
