The South African Broadcasting Corporation will not broadcast the opening fixtures of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season [1], [2].

This blackout limits free-to-air access to the league's start for millions of viewers across South Africa. Because the SABC is the primary national broadcaster, the absence of these matches creates a significant gap in sports accessibility during the season's launch.

The broadcaster announced the decision on July 31 [2]. The opening fixtures were scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1 [1], [2]. The SABC said it regrets to inform viewers that it will not broadcast these initial matches [3].

The disruption stems from unresolved sub-licensing negotiations regarding the Premier Soccer League broadcasting rights. These discussions involve both CANAL+ and MultiChoice [2], [4]. While some reports suggest an agreement with CANAL+ has been reached [3], other official statements indicate that negotiations continue [2].

An SABC spokesperson said negotiations regarding the PSL sub-licensing agreement continue, as do discussions with CANAL+ [2]. The broadcaster has indicated a planned return to the airwaves on Aug. 15 [3].

This delay leaves fans dependent on paid subscription services to view the first round of matches. The timeline for a full resolution remains tied to the finalization of the sub-licensing terms between the corporate entities involved [2], [4].

“The SABC regrets to inform viewers that it will not broadcast the opening fixtures of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.”

The blackout highlights the tension between national public broadcasting mandates and the commercial interests of global media giants like CANAL+ and MultiChoice. By delaying the start of free-to-air coverage, the SABC is signaling that the financial terms of sub-licensing are currently a primary hurdle, potentially shifting the leverage in ongoing negotiations over how South African football is distributed.