SA20 2025 opener breaks South African viewership records

The SA20 2025 season opener between defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town marked a significant uptick in numbers from the previous season's record, with the opener drawing a record total live unique audience of 382,778 viewers on SuperSport, a remarkable 129% increase from Season 2.

This makes the SA20 opening match the second-highest recorded live opening viewership number in this summer season of cricket on SuperSport, fractionally behind the T20I series between the Proteas and India, with the League also exceeding the viewership of the IPL and Big Bash games in this market.

The opening week has also seen record attendance numbers, with four sold out opening matches and a 79% attendance rate across the rain interrupted opening six matches. The fans who have turned up in their numbers across the country continue to embrace the cricket and entertainment experience at the stadiums, with the trend set to continue as the action heats up for the rest of the group matches. 

Graeme Smith, the League Commissioner said: “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.  The collective support of our franchises, SuperSport and the fans has played a key role in our success and over the next three weeks of the tournament we will continue to work together to deliver something special for the fans.’’

The League and SuperSport have worked together to take South Africa’s premier T20 franchise cricket League to a wider audience demographic, with select matches broadcast on DSTV Access through the SuperSport Variety 4 Channel.

"We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the SA20 league," says Tumelo Selikane, Managing Director of Nielsen Sports SA. "The strong viewership numbers are a testament to the League's growing popularity and the exceptional work of SuperSport and the League This is fantastic news for their sponsors and a clear indication that the League is transforming the appeal of domestic cricket in South Africa."  

SA20’s success is not just limited to viewership and attendance. The league has also attracted a significant number of new sponsors this season, further solidifying its commercial value and appeal. This influx of sponsors is a testament to the League's growing reputation as a valuable platform for brands looking to reach a passionate and engaged audience through sports entertainment. 

The increased viewership numbers also bode well for the League's franchise teams, who have built strong local brands and have also been successful in attracting new sponsors. The increased brand exposure generated by the League's growing viewership is expected to yield significant media value returns for these sponsors. 

Season three of SA20 is poised for continued success, with strong viewership numbers and growing commercial appeal. As the tournament progresses, we anticipate even greater audience engagement, further solidifying its position as a premium and unique sporting event in South Africa. 

Data source: Nielsen Sports SA