The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has announced a significant collaboration with Hollywoodbets to broadcast all 52 live matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), making it accessible for millions of South Africans at no cost.
The tournament, which will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will be shown live across SABC 2, SABC Sport channels, various radio stations, and streamed on the SABC Plus app. This partnership is a tremendous victory for football fans, particularly those who cannot afford pay-TV subscriptions. This thrilling competition allows them to cheer on Bafana Bafana and other African teams.
Building on successful past collaborations, Hollywoodbets has once again stepped in to support the funding of broadcast rights. For the 2023 AFCON, alongside other sponsors such as McDonald’s, we aim to ensure free access to the tournament. For AFCON 2025, SABC Sport promises comprehensive coverage to celebrate African football talent, including pre-match segments, expert commentary, and post-game analyses. Viewers can anticipate an immersive experience, capturing every goal, tackle, and dramatic moment of the matches.
In addition to AFCON, SABC is set to deliver more sports content, confirming the telecast of 38 live English Premier League games each season over the next three years (2025/2026 to 2027/2028). This means fans can watch top teams, including Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, on free-to-air television, bringing the excitement of one of the world’s most popular leagues directly into homes nationwide. The inclusion of key matches aims to rekindle interest in football among fans.
Horse racing enthusiasts will also have much to look forward to, as SABC has partnered with Gallop TV, supported by Hollywoodbets and Race Coast, to showcase exciting races from KwaZulu-Natal and the Cape throughout the week. Programs like Racing Today, airing at 17:00, will combine race coverage with football updates, offering a dynamic mix for sports lovers. This initiative is designed to make horse racing more accessible to fans and attract new audiences.
Furthermore, SABC has pledged to broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup on its free-to-air platforms, ensuring the tournament’s wide accessibility for all South Africans. Group CEO Nomsa Chabeli reiterated this commitment in April 2025, promising coverage of the global event hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. With 104 matches to be contested, SABC’s involvement will foster a strong sense of community around this monumental event. Broadcast rights for sub-Saharan Africa are held by New World TV, which has sublicensed to SABC, echoing arrangements from previous World Cups.
These exciting developments come as SABC works to modernise its offerings amid financial hurdles. The broadcaster has faced scrutiny for its ageing infrastructure and legislative challenges, but partnerships with private enterprises like Hollywoodbets signal a progressive direction. By collaborating with private companies, the SABC can secure premium content while maintaining accessibility, thereby staying true to its mission of serving all South Africans, particularly those in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.
As football continues to gain popularity across Africa, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently secured a groundbreaking $1 billion broadcast deal to enhance the sport’s visibility. For AFCON 2025, this will ensure greater attention on stellar players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and South Africa’s own Percy Tau, inspiring aspiring young athletes across the continent. The tournament, originally scheduled for mid-year, has been moved to avoid weather concerns in Morocco and will feature 24 teams competing for the championship in cities such as Casablanca and Rabat.
In South Africa, where football is a deep-rooted passion, these broadcasts transcend mere matches—they foster community, provide an escape, and strengthen bonds. Previous AFCON tournaments have attracted significant viewership, with the 2023 edition drawing sizable audiences despite initial concerns about a blackout. SABC’s radio broadcasts, available in various languages, ensure that those without televisions can still participate in the excitement.
As the Premier League returns, the televised games will likely feature high-stakes derbies and title-deciding matches, strategically scheduled for weekends to maximise viewership. This reflects SABC’s commitment to enriching its sports coverage and engaging with its audience.
