Big boost for cricket lovers who don’t have DStv
The SABC says it is working hard to ensure that it broadcasts South Africa’s matches at the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
The competition starts on 5 October 2023, and the South African team will play at least nine matches at the tournament – if weather conditions remain favourable. This could rise to 11 if South Africa reaches the final.
As reported by City Press, the SABC has not revealed how many matches it plans to buy from MultiChoice – the official owner of the rights which must sublicence them.
“The SABC can confirm that negotiations between SABC and MultiChoice are ongoing regarding broadcasting rights for the Cricket World Cup,” Mmoni Seapolelo, the public broadcaster’s acting group executive for corporate affairs and marketing, said.
“The corporation understands the importance of keeping its valued customers informed and will ensure that they receive timely updates on this matter.”
Rugby boost
The concerns for the Cricket World Cup come after the state broadcaster only secured the rights to the Rugby World Cup.
MultiChoice says it will sub-license broadcast rights to the SABC for the Rugby World Cup 2023.
MutiChoice said that the SABC accepted a proposal it made on 18 August 2023.
Under a sub-licence agreement between the state broadcaster and MultiChoice, the SABC would broadcast 16 matches, including the opening ceremony and opening match, all matches that the Springboks participate in, two quarter-final matches, one semi-final, the bronze final, the final and the closing ceremony.
If South Africa does not qualify for the knockout stages, these matches will still be available for broadcast.
Before the announcement, MyBroadband reported that the SABC refused to pay MultiChoice $2 million (over R35 million) for the rights to broadcast the competition, with insiders claiming that DStv-owner was waiting till the last minute to start proper negotiations.
With the deal announced only one day before the competition, these insiders were proven right.
Another insider questioned how the SABC would recoup any funds in such a short period to get advertisers.
“Even if we had the $2 million, how are we going to recoup it in such a short period?” they said.
“We won’t get a cent out of it because between now and next weekend, you can’t get anyone to advertise.”
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