SA20 LIVE Broadcast: The worst is over for Cricket South Africa (CSA). After a brief spell of trouble, CSA has found a suiter for the inaugural SA20 League in India. Viacom18 Sports has successfully acquired broadcast rights of SA20 League for 10 years. Voot is expected to have the live stream of the league. As per reports, the Reliance-backed company will pay around $10 million each year for the T20 league. While CSA wanted to bundle international and SAT20 media rights, they have now taken a step back, releasing only the league’s rights. Follow SA20 LIVE & IPL 2023 LIVE Updates with InsideSport.IN.
“Today is a ground-breaking day for South African cricket. This long-term partnership between the SA20 and Viacom18 as our official Indian broadcaster is a catalyst that supports our ambitions to build the world’s second-biggest league. With 6 IPL owners expanding their brands in South Africa, Viacom18 are the perfect partner to take the SA20 into the homes of the passionate and cricket-loving Indian,” said SA20 League Commissioner and former South Africa captain Graeme Smith.
SA20 LIVE Broadcast: After HIATUS, CSA ropes in Viacom18 for SAT20 League in 10-year deal, Voot to Live Stream in India, Check Details
How was the deal cracked? – CSA failed to entice any Indian broadcasters as the board demanded $240,000 per game for SAT20 league. The primary problem was the bundled CSA Media Rights. The CSA had demanded $7 million or Rs 57 crore per match for one India-South Africa home game. As a result, Indian broadcasters showed no interest.
However, after a poor response from the Indian broadcasters, CSA began negotiating a separate deal for SAT20. On Wednesday, CSA announced the new partnership with Viacom18. The deal also means that cash-strapped CSA has found a major boost in Viacom18. With 6 IPL franchises owning SAT20 teams, India is CSA’s prime target. With Viacom, they are now assured.
The separate deal also helps CSA garner maximum amount. Initially, CSA wanted $240,000 per game for a 33-match season. But the new deal sees Viacom paying around $300,000 per game.
SA20 LIVE Broadcast: Why CSA’s combined deal fell through?
- The current broadcasting fee per South Africa home game against India is $1.5 million.
- CSA wanted 6 times more than that for the next cycle.
- CSA values India tour matches at $7 million or Rs 57 crore each per match.
- In comparison, BCCI gets $7.4 million or Rs 60 crore per match in India.
- The newly-formed SA20 league matches were valued at $240,000.
- An entire season of SA20 league would have cost $8 million for 33 games.
- For non-India matches, CSA had set a reserve price of $3 million or Rs 24 Cr.
- Previously, Indian broadcasters showed no interest when CSA released the ITT.
- CSA then combined the next cycle of media rights with SAT20 League matches.
- However, after no response, CSA separated the two deals.
- Viacom18 now has acquired the SA20 rights for around $300,000 each game or $10 million a year.
🚨BREAKING NEWS 🚨
We’re thrilled to announce that Viacom18 Sports has acquired the broadcast rights for the #SA20 League. A big welcome to @viacom18 and @Sports18, our Official Broadcast Partner in India: https://t.co/QxThjcbToQ pic.twitter.com/pIF1uTIe7K
— SA20_League (@SA20_League) November 2, 2022
The inaugural SA20, set to get underway in January 2023, will collide with the Big Bash League and the International League T20 (ILT20).
“We continue to offer fans an immersive and engaging experience by strengthening our sports portfolio with some of the best cricket action through SA20,” said Viacom18 Sports CEO Anil Jayaraj. “T20 is the most popular cricket format with Indian fans. The history and legacy of South Africa cricket and the popularity of South African cricketers in India make it a thrilling proposition for cricket fans in India. We expect significant viewership and fan engagement as the event will be played in prime-time.”
Viacom18 also holds the digital rights of Indian Premier League for 5 years. The broadcasting company shelled out Rs 23,758 Crore for five years.
SA20 LIVE Broadcast: After HIATUS, CSA ropes in Viacom18 for SAT20 League in 10-year deal, Voot to Live Stream in India, Check Details
Who are the major attractions in the SA20 League? –
The SA20 will see international superstars like Quinton de Kock, Faf Du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler, Eoin Morgan, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Liam Livingstone, Maheesh Theekshana, Jason Holder in action.
Joburg Super Kings, Pretoria Capitals, Durban’s Super Giants, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, Paarl Royals and MI Cape Town, bought by groups that own the IPL franchises, will feature in the event.
The inaugural SA20 auction in September saw over 100 players signed by the six teams which includes international stars and rising South African players.
SA20 LIVE Broadcast: After HIATUS, CSA ropes in Viacom18 for SAT20 League in 10-year deal, Voot to Live Stream in India, Check Details
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