Blow to SABC viewers

These opening fixtures are scheduled for Saturday, 1 August 2026, which means that this is a last-minute development.

“The negotiations regarding the PSL sub-licensing agreement remain ongoing,” the SABC said in a press statement.

“Discussions with CANAL+ continue to progress positively, but the agreement has not yet been finalised.”

The SABC said that it remained committed to concluding the outstanding agreement as soon as possible.

“Subject to its successful conclusion, we anticipate commencing Betway Premiership broadcasts from 15 August 2026,” it said.

As part of the statement, the SABC announced the successful conclusion of its agreement with CANAL+ to broadcast the 2026 MTN8 tournament.

“South African audiences will once again enjoy free-to-air coverage of one of the country’s premier football competitions,” it said.

Nomsa Chabeli, Group Chief Executive Officer of the SABC, said they hope to conclude discussions regarding the Betway Premiership soon.

“We remain optimistic that these will be concluded soon, allowing us to bring even more South African football to audiences across the country,” she said.

“We are pleased to be partnering with the SABC for the broadcast of the 2026 MTN8 cup competition,” said CANAL+ Africa and MultiChoice Group CEO, David Mignot.

“We continue to have engaging discussions about the rest of the 2026/27 free-to-air sub-licensing agreement.”