The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has awarded the Olympic Games free-to-air and pay-TV broadcasting rights for South Africa to the SABC and to SuperSport for the next two Olympic Games and the Winter Olympics.
The SABC to free-to-air viewers, and SuperSport to MultiChoice's DStv subscribers, will broadcast the Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 and the Olympic Games in 2024.
SuperSport was given the pay-TV rights in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, with the SABC given the free-to-air broadcasting rights in South Africa. Econet Media gets the free-to-air rights in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as pay-TV broadcasting rights as well for its Kwesé Sports channels, where it will compete with SuperSport for viewers.
According to the agreement the SABC will have to broadcast at least 200 hours of live or same day coverage of each edition of the Olympic Games and faily highlights of the Olympic Winter Games.
SuperSport will have to work with the IOC to support the development of the Olympic Channel, including the production of localised content and linear distribution across Africa.
"As long-time partners of the OIC, SuperSport is delighted to have secured these excellent Olympic rights," says Gideon Khobane, SuperSport CEO.
"The Games produce consistently good ratings, no doubt because of the non-stop drama and action that make for compelling viewing. We look forward to putting together a multi-platform, multi-channel offering that will reflect the Olympics in their full glory".
Sully Motsweni, the SABC's head of SABC Sport says "there are many live events that SABC Sport brings to millions of South Africans every day, but none comes close to the triumph of Olympic spirit and the ultimate objective of winning gold as our athletes represent South Africa on a global stage".
Habu Gumel, OIC member for broadcasting rights in Africa says "we are pleased to be able to continue our longstanding partnerships with DStv, SuperSport and the SABC".
