The negotiations regarding the PSL sub-licensing agreement remain ongoing, and while discussions with CANAL+ continue to progress positively, the agreement has not yet been finalised.

The SABC remains committed to concluding the outstanding agreement as soon as possible and, subject to its successful conclusion, anticipates commencing Betway Premiership broadcasts from 15 August 2026.

Despite this temporary delay, the SABC is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of its agreement with CANAL+ for the broadcast of the 2026 MTN8 tournament, ensuring that South African audiences will once again enjoy free-to-air coverage of one of the country's premier football competitions.

Nomsa Chabeli, Group Chief Executive Officer of the SABC, said: "The conclusion of the MTN8 agreement means that millions of viewers across the country will once again be able to enjoy one of our premier domestic football competitions on free-to-air television. We thank CANAL+ for their continued collaboration in making this possible and appreciate the positive engagement that continues on the Betway Premiership discussions. We remain optimistic that these will be concluded soon, allowing us to bring even more South African football to audiences across the country."

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CANAL+ Africa and MultiChoice Group CEO, David Mignot, said: "We are pleased to be partnering with the SABC for the broadcast of the 2026 MTN8 cup competition. We continue to have engaging discussions about the rest of the 2026/27 free-to-air sub-licensing agreement, which we hope to conclude soon, more so in this historic 30^th season of the PSL."

The SABC appreciates that football supporters were looking forward to the opening weekend of the Betway Premiership and extends its gratitude to audiences for their patience and understanding while the remaining discussions are concluded.

The Corporation looks forward to an exciting MTN8 tournament and to continuing its proud tradition of bringing South African football to millions of viewers across the country.

Issued By: Group Communications

Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590

GEORGE LWANDAMINA

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