SA20 Season 3 Achieves Record Stadium Attendance and Broadcast Growth

Key Highlights

• Over 400,000 fans attended matches across six venues, marking the highest attendance in SA20 history. 
• Surge in Global Broadcast Viewership: SuperSport's viewership figures soared by 47%, with the opening match becoming the most-watched opener ever. 
• The Final's viewership jumped by 72% from Season 2, and international audiences across India, the UK, the US, and Africa grew by 37%.

The third edition of the SA20 has had its most successful season yet, breaking multiple records for live attendance, television viewership, and digital reach. Season 3 was officially the most-attended season in league history, with over 400,000 fans attending matches across six venues. A 70% increase in sold-out fixtures, including a packed house for the Final for the third consecutive year, demonstrated the competition's growing popularity. MI Cape Town, the league champions this season, added to the historic atmosphere by selling out all five home games at Newlands — a league record. The SA20 also reached a significant milestone, selling its one-millionth ticket during a match between the Johannesburg Super Kings and Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Wanderers.

Television and digital reach make new ground

The league's broadcast success was equally impressive. According to Nielsen Sports SA, SuperSport's viewership increased by 47%, indicating a collaboration between the broadcaster and the league to attract new fans. The season's opener, MI Cape Town vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape, was the most-watched opener in history. Viewership of the Final increased by 72 percent over Season 2, as fans tuned in to see MI Cape Town win the trophy. International audiences in India, the UK, the United States, and Africa increased by 37%, cementing SA20's status as a top-tier global T20 league.

Digital, media, and fan engagement skyrocket

Digital engagement also increased dramatically. The league reported a 62% increase in total social media followers, while video views increased by 93%. Franchise pages gained 87% more followers, and web traffic increased by 233% from the previous year. Media presence also expanded, with media value increasing by 30% in South Africa and 96% in India. Commissioner Graeme Smith described the growth as "game-changing" and praised the fans, franchises, and partners for their shared enthusiasm.

Strong social impact with a youth focus

Season 3 also highlighted SA20's dedication to social upliftment. Through its learnership program, 26 young professionals gained hands-on experience, and R630,000 was raised for the Laureus Sports for Good Foundation. The inaugural Schools SA20, which included over 600 schools, ended with Steyn City and Bishops Diocesan College winning the girls' and boys' finals. The league also provided full scholarships to two outstanding Grade 7 cricket players.