Latest news with #SchoolsSA20
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Business Standard
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
SA20 Season 3 sets record growth in stadium attendance, global broadcast
The third edition of the SA20 has delivered its most successful season yet, breaking multiple records across live attendance, television viewership, and digital reach. With more than 400,000 fans attending matches across six venues, Season 3 was officially the best-attended in the league's history. A 70 per cent rise in sold-out fixtures, including a packed house for the Final for a third consecutive year, highlighted the competition's growing popularity. MI Cape Town, crowned champions this season, added to the historic tone by selling out all five home games at Newlands — a league first. The SA20 also hit a major milestone, selling its one-millionth ticket during a clash between Joburg Super Kings and Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Wanderers. Television and digital reach break new ground The league's broadcast success was equally staggering. According to Nielsen Sports SA, SuperSport's viewership figures soared by 47 per cent, reflecting the collaboration between the broadcaster and the league to attract new fans. The opening game of the season — MI Cape Town vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape — was the most-watched opener ever. Viewership of the Final jumped by 72 per cent from Season 2, as fans tuned in to see MI Cape Town lift the trophy. International audiences across India, the UK, the US, and Africa grew by 37 per cent, solidifying SA20's stature as a top-tier global T20 league. Digital, media and fan engagement soar Digital engagement also witnessed a boom. The league reported a 62 per cent rise in total social media followers, while video views grew by 93 per cent. Franchise pages gained 87 per cent more followers, and web traffic spiked by 233 per cent from last year. Media presence expanded as well, with media value increasing 30 per cent in South Africa and a massive 96 per cent in India. Commissioner Graeme Smith called the growth 'game-changing' and credited the fans, franchises, and partners for their shared passion. Strong social impact and youth focus Season 3 also highlighted SA20's commitment to social upliftment. Through its learnership programme, 26 young professionals gained hands-on experience, while a total of R630,000 was raised for the Laureus Sports for Good Foundation. The inaugural Schools SA20, featuring over 600 schools, concluded with Steyn City and Bishops Diocesan College winning the girls' and boys' finals. The league also awarded full scholarships to two standout Grade 7 cricketers. Looking ahead to Season 4 Planning is already under way for Season 4, which begins on December 26, 2025. Smith said fans can expect fresh announcements on player auctions and fixtures soon, promising another memorable season for one of the world's fastest-growing T20 leagues.
News18
28-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Betway SA20 Season 3 Betway SA20 Season 3 Witnesses Record Growth and Attendance
Betway SA20 Season 3 saw record-breaking performances, 70% more sold-out matches, 400,000+ fans, and a 233% surge in website traffic. Betway SA20 has firmly established itself as one of South Africa's best-supported live sports events, with Season 3 showcasing record-breaking performances and continued growth across broadcast, attendance, and digital platforms. News18 The season was marked by capacity crowds, with a remarkable 70% increase in sold-out matches and a sold-out final for the third consecutive year, making it the most attended Betway SA20 season to date. Over 400,000 fans attended the six venues around the country. Newlands, home of the Season 3 champions MI Cape Town, made history by selling out all five home matches. The League achieved a significant milestone by selling its 1 millionth ticket during the match between Joburg Super Kings and Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Wanderers. According to an annual survey, 93% of fans described their stadium experience as 'excellent,' and 90% indicated they were likely to attend Season 4. Betway SA20 continues to show impressive growth in the digital landscape, with a 62% increase in followers across all social media platforms, an 87% increase in following for Franchise teams, a 93% increase in video views, and a 233% rise in website traffic users from Season 2. advetisement The League also achieved a 30% growth in media value in South Africa and saw excellent results in India, with a 96% increase in media value and a 231% surge in print stories. League Commissioner Graeme Smith stated: 'Season three of the Betway SA20 has been a game-changer. For the third year in a row, we've seen unprecedented growth across broadcast, attendance, and digital platforms. We've firmly established ourselves as one of the leading sports and entertainment brands in the country." 'Globally, our numbers continue to increase, supporting our vision of being the biggest T20 cricket league outside of India. This success wouldn't be possible without the fans, partners, world-class players, broadcasters, franchises, and stakeholders. The passion and commitment towards the League have been incredible." Betway SA20's commitment to youth and talent development was highlighted through various initiatives in Season 3. Through its learnership program, the League provided 26 young industry talents, including 4 Laureus YES (Youth Employment in Sport) program recipients and 6 photography students, with the opportunity to gain experience as part of the competition's delivery team. The League also raised R630,000 for its social impact partner, the Laureus Sports for Good Foundation, which uses sport, including cricket programs, to help young people overcome challenges such as poverty, homelessness, violence, drug abuse, and AIDS. A highlight of the season was the launch of the inaugural Schools SA20, with over 600 schools competing and the first-ever national girls' competition being incorporated. The fourth season of the competition will commence on 26 December 2025, with major announcements about fixtures, player signings, and the auction to be communicated soon. Watch CNN-News18 here. Stay updated with all the latest news on IPL 2025, including the schedule, Points Table, IPL Orange Cap, and IPL Purple Cap. Get latest Cricket news, live score and match results on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : SA20 First Published: May 28, 2025, 18:17 IST Latest News 'Said It Out Of Love': Kamal Haasan Reacts To His 'Tamil-Kannada' Remark, Says Won't Apologise Politics Bollywood Tamannaah Blames Instagram For 'Liking' Deepika Padukone Clip, Fans Recall Virat Kohli-Avneet Kaur Row Bollywood Mohit Suri Recalls How A 10-Year-Old Alia Bhatt Backed His Remix Vision India Series Of Earthquakes Hit Manipur, Strongest One Being 5.2 Magnitude Viral 'Is There Anything He Can't Do?' Fans On Video Of Tom Cruise Conducting Orchestra latest news
