DStv Premiership Title Sponsorship in Limbo
DStv Premiership Title Sponsorship in Limbo
DStv is reportedly set to end its sponsorship of the DStv Premiership a year early, creating uncertainty for the league. The PSL is in talks to find a new sponsor amid financial concerns over MultiChoice and possible changes following the acquisition of a majority stake by Canal+.
Financial Concerns and New Sponsorship Talks
DStv’s decision to end its sponsorship early stems from concerns over MultiChoice’s financial situation. The acquisition of a majority stake by Canal+ has also added uncertainty to the sponsorship front. The PSL is actively discussing with potential new title sponsors to secure financial stability for the league.
Betway as a Potential Sponsor
Betway, an online gambling company, is a leading candidate to replace DStv as the competition’s main sponsor. Betway has a strong track record of sponsoring major sporting events, including the SA20 cricket competition.
Impact on the New Season
The uncertainty surrounding sponsorship has led to a delay in announcing the start date of the 2024/25 season. The PSL has also asked clubs to hold off on finalizing their kits until a potential new Premiership logo for the upcoming season is unveiled. The search for a new sponsor will continue, with the aim of securing financial stability before the start of the new season or the following one.
Mamelodi Sundowns fell just two points short of breaking their record of 71 points set last season, and will therefore be back in contention for the title this season with another DStv Premiership title under their belt. (Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
- DStv is reportedly set to end its sponsorship of the PSL early, creating uncertainty for the league.
- The PSL is in talks to find a new sponsor amid financial concerns over the stability of MultiChoice and possible changes following the acquisition of a majority stake by Canal+.
- Betway is a leading candidate to replace DStv as the competition’s main sponsor.
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DStv has reportedly decided to end its sponsorship of the DStv Premiership a year earlier than expected, leaving the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in limbo ahead of the new football season.
According to SABC Sport, the PSL is in active discussions to find a new title sponsor for the South African Premier League, currently known as the DStv Premiership.
There is less than a month to go before the new football season starts. The date has not yet been announced.
The sponsorship deal between DStv, who succeeded Absa after a long run as the league’s main sponsor, and the PSL was finalised in September 2020.
However, there are concerns over MultiChoice’s financial situation, which could potentially impact their support for both the Premier League and the MultiChoice Diski Challenge reserve competition.
Recent reports suggest that Canal+, a French multimedia group, is set to acquire a majority stake in MultiChoice, adding further uncertainty to the sponsorship front.
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Financial details of DStv’s initial agreement with the PSL remain unknown. The league has withheld financial information since the 2019/20 season, which was heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The uncertainty surrounding sponsorship has also led to a delay in announcing the start date of the 2024/25 season, as the league has yet to release a fixture list.
The PSL recently communicated with clubs, asking them to wait to finalise their kits until a potential new Premiership logo for the upcoming season has been unveiled.
At the same time, work is underway to secure a new main sponsor before the start of the 2024/25 season or the following season.
Betway, an online gambling company that is also the main sponsor of the SA20 cricket competition, has emerged as a leading candidate to fill the sponsorship gap.
