New players shake up business of sport in SA
The old models based on TV broadcast rights are under threat
As Africa's pay-TV giant MultiChoice leaves the Naspers nest to list separately on the JSE this week, its decades-long monopoly in sports broadcasting is under threat in the face of changing policy and technology. And the changes have implications for major sports codes in SA, which rely on the advertising-cum-broadcast business model. Soccer, rugby and cricket in SA, which make a significant contribution to the economy and provide jobs for players, coaches, support staff and service providers, all depend mainly on sponsorships, ticket sales and the sale of broadcast rights for revenue. "Cricket SA [CSA] generates its revenue based on the matches we host locally," CEO Thabang Moroe told Business Times. He says most of CSA's income is from sponsorships and broadcasting rights, with gate takings coming a distant third. Watching sport is a favourite pastime in SA. "We are seeing more young people and African women watching cricket," Moroe says. "More families come to cricket matches th...
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