Betway SA20 has quickly become one of the best supported live sport events in South Africa, with Season 3 data across broadcast, attendance and digital showcasing record-breaking performances and continued growth.
The popularity increased as capacity crowds marked the season, with the League witnessing a 70 per cent increase in sold-out matches and a sold out final for the third consecutive year, making it the best-attended SA20 season.
Over four-hundred thousand fans streamed through the six venues around the country. Newlands, the home of Season 3 champions MI Cape Town, made the record by becoming the first venue to sell out all five home matches.
The league also saw the sale of the 1 millionth ticket to a lucky recipient during the match between Joburg Super Kings and Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Wanderers.
In the annual survey, fans affirmed that the stadium was the place to be, with 93% describing their experience as ‘excellent’ and 90% indicating they were likely to attend Season 4.
Nielsen Sports SA data reveals that viewership continues to increase, with the overall audience reach on SuperSport up by a significant 47%, a testimony to the collaboration of the League and SuperSport to grow new audiences.
The opening match of the season between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town was the most viewed opening match to date.
South Africans were also glued to the Final with a 72% uplift in viewership from Season 2 as viewers watched new champions, MI Cape Town, win the title.
Nielsen Sport SA further reported that global television viewership across broadcasters including India, the UK, the US and Pan African markets increased by 37%.
SA20 continues to show growth even on digital platforms with a 62% increase in followers across all social media platforms, an 87% increase in the following for Franchise teams, a 93% increase in video views and a 233% rise in website traffic users from Season 2.
Further, The League achieved a 30% growth in media value in SA, while there were excellent results in India driving a 96% increase in media value and a 231% surge in print stories.
League Commissioner, Graeme Smith said, "Season three of the Betway SA20 has been an absolute game-changer. This is the third year running that we have seen unprecedented growth across broadcast, attendance and digital platforms; we have really made a mark as one of the leading sport and entertainment brands in the country.
Globally, our numbers continue to increase and support our vision of being the biggest T20 cricket league outside of India. We couldn’t have achieved this success without the fans, partners, world-class players, broadcasters, franchises and stakeholders, it’s been incredible to see the passion and commitment towards the League.”
SA20’s commitment to youth and talent development both on and off the field was showcased via various initiatives in Season 3.
Through its learnership programme, the League provided 26 young industry talent, including four Laureus YES (Youth Employment in Sport) programme recipients and six photography students , the opportunity to work and gain experience as part of the competition’s delivery team on the ground.
The League also raised R630 000 (About Rs 30 lakh) for its social impact partner, the Laureus Sports for Good Foundation.
The Foundation helps young people overcome limitations imposed by challenging social issues including poverty, homelessness, violence drug abuse and AIDS by using sport including cricket.
Another highlight of the season was the opportunity to positively impact South African cricket’s eco-system with the launch of the inaugural Schools SA20. Over 600 schools competed with a first-ever national girls’ competition being incorporated.
“The positive impact off the field is equally important and rewarding for us as the League,” Smith explained. “The Schools SA20 was an excellent platform for the next generation in its debut season and will no doubt continue to give hundreds of young cricketers around the country opportunities. Planning is progressing well for Season 4 in the new holiday window, and we look forward to celebrating the festive season with all our fans,” he added.
The fourth season of the competition will begin on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025, with major announcements around fixtures, player signings and the auction to be communicated soon.
The popularity increased as capacity crowds marked the season, with the League witnessing a 70 per cent increase in sold-out matches and a sold out final for the third consecutive year, making it the best-attended SA20 season.
Over four-hundred thousand fans streamed through the six venues around the country. Newlands, the home of Season 3 champions MI Cape Town, made the record by becoming the first venue to sell out all five home matches.
The league also saw the sale of the 1 millionth ticket to a lucky recipient during the match between Joburg Super Kings and Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Wanderers.
In the annual survey, fans affirmed that the stadium was the place to be, with 93% describing their experience as ‘excellent’ and 90% indicating they were likely to attend Season 4.
Nielsen Sports SA data reveals that viewership continues to increase, with the overall audience reach on SuperSport up by a significant 47%, a testimony to the collaboration of the League and SuperSport to grow new audiences.
The opening match of the season between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town was the most viewed opening match to date.
South Africans were also glued to the Final with a 72% uplift in viewership from Season 2 as viewers watched new champions, MI Cape Town, win the title.
Nielsen Sport SA further reported that global television viewership across broadcasters including India, the UK, the US and Pan African markets increased by 37%.
SA20 continues to show growth even on digital platforms with a 62% increase in followers across all social media platforms, an 87% increase in the following for Franchise teams, a 93% increase in video views and a 233% rise in website traffic users from Season 2.
Further, The League achieved a 30% growth in media value in SA, while there were excellent results in India driving a 96% increase in media value and a 231% surge in print stories.
League Commissioner, Graeme Smith said, "Season three of the Betway SA20 has been an absolute game-changer. This is the third year running that we have seen unprecedented growth across broadcast, attendance and digital platforms; we have really made a mark as one of the leading sport and entertainment brands in the country.
Globally, our numbers continue to increase and support our vision of being the biggest T20 cricket league outside of India. We couldn’t have achieved this success without the fans, partners, world-class players, broadcasters, franchises and stakeholders, it’s been incredible to see the passion and commitment towards the League.”
SA20’s commitment to youth and talent development both on and off the field was showcased via various initiatives in Season 3.
Through its learnership programme, the League provided 26 young industry talent, including four Laureus YES (Youth Employment in Sport) programme recipients and six photography students , the opportunity to work and gain experience as part of the competition’s delivery team on the ground.
The League also raised R630 000 (About Rs 30 lakh) for its social impact partner, the Laureus Sports for Good Foundation.
The Foundation helps young people overcome limitations imposed by challenging social issues including poverty, homelessness, violence drug abuse and AIDS by using sport including cricket.
Another highlight of the season was the opportunity to positively impact South African cricket’s eco-system with the launch of the inaugural Schools SA20. Over 600 schools competed with a first-ever national girls’ competition being incorporated.
“The positive impact off the field is equally important and rewarding for us as the League,” Smith explained. “The Schools SA20 was an excellent platform for the next generation in its debut season and will no doubt continue to give hundreds of young cricketers around the country opportunities. Planning is progressing well for Season 4 in the new holiday window, and we look forward to celebrating the festive season with all our fans,” he added.
The fourth season of the competition will begin on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025, with major announcements around fixtures, player signings and the auction to be communicated soon.
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