The SA20 2025 season opener between the reigning champion Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town saw a record-breaking live unique audience of 382,778 viewers on SuperSport, a staggering 129% increase from Season 2.
The SA20 opening match now has the second-highest recorded live opening viewership figure in this summer’s cricket season on SuperSport, only behind the Proteas vs. India T20I series. In this market, the League also has more viewers than the IPL and Big Bash matches.
Record attendance figures have also been recorded throughout the first week, with four of the first six matches sold out and a 79% attendance rate despite the rain delays. As the action picks up for the remaining group matches, the thousands of spectators who have flocked to the stadiums across will likely continue to enjoy the cricket and entertainment experience.
“We’ve worked hard to establish the League as property that appeals to viewers at home and those who come to the stadium, and these numbers give us the confidence that we are on the right track to keep building on a strong foundation,” stated League Commissioner Graeme Smith.
We will continue to collaborate over the next three weeks of the tournament to provide the fans with something unique, as the combined support of our franchises, SuperSport, and the fans has been crucial to our success.
In an effort to reach a larger audience, the League and SuperSport have partnered to broadcast a few matches of South Africa’s top T20 franchise cricket league on DSTV Access via the SuperSport Variety 4 Channel.
“The overwhelming response to the SA20 league has thrilled us,” says Tumelo Selikane, Nielsen Sports SA’s managing director. “The high viewership figures demonstrate the League’s increasing appeal and the outstanding work that SuperSport and the League have done.” For their sponsors, this is wonderful news, and it’s a definite sign that the League is changing the attraction of domestic cricket in South Africa.
The popularity of SA20 extends beyond its audience and attendance.
Additionally, this season has seen a large influx of new sponsors, enhancing the league’s attractiveness and commercial worth. The League’s increasing standing as a useful venue for companies seeking to connect with an enthusiastic and involved audience through sports entertainment is demonstrated by the surge of sponsors.
Additionally, the League’s franchise teams, who have successfully drawn in new sponsors and established strong local brands, stand to benefit from the higher viewership figures. Significant media value returns are anticipated for these sponsors as a result of the enhanced brand exposure brought about by the League’s expanding viewership.
SA20’s third season is expected to be a huge success due to its high viewership and increasing commercial appeal. As the competition goes on, we expect even more spectator participation, which will strengthen its standing as one of South Africa’s most exclusive and high-end sporting events.
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