Following the success of the Betway SA20 Season 4 player auction where R116.9m was invested in South African players, the Season 3 Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) released today has revealed the League’s significant impact on South Africa’s economy. The report highlights that off the field, the League continues to make a substantial impact on the greater South African economy, with an increase in contributions across Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Direct Expenditure, Household Income and Job Creation.
Following two successful seasons, the past season has further elevated the tournament’s significance, yielding an impressive GDP contribution that soared from R4.3 billion to a remarkable R5.3 billion.
This considerable leap underlines the League and its franchises’ growing role in the economic fabric of local households and communities, where small businesses benefit from the influx of both local and international visitors to matches.
“Betway SA20 is proving to be a game-changer, not only for cricket in South Africa but also for the country’s economy,” League Commissioner, Graeme Smith said. “The recent auction highlighted how the franchises are committed to investing in the South African pipeline, while this Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) report showcases how the League’s impact is extending beyond the field. It’s incredible to see how, after only 3 seasons, we’ve been able to drive growth and create opportunities for our cricketers, the sports and hospitality industry and the greater South African economy.”
The fans spoke with their feet with nearly 400 000 tickets sold in Season 3 — equating to 76% of capacity across all the matches – while the Final has sold out for three consecutive seasons. The League also achieved an exciting milestone when it celebrated the sale of the competition’s 1 millionth ticket last season.
This had an impact on the Direct Expenditure, which grew exponentially from R1.5 billion in Season 2 to approximately R1.8 billion. A critical injection towards South Africa’s economy is the increase in jobs, with the annualised employment opportunities increasing by 2% from Season 2 to 8199.
Additionally, for the first time, the total contribution to household income surpassed the billion-rand mark, achieving R1.4 billion.
The anticipated Season 4 will start in a new festive season timeslot on 26 December 2025, opening up the opportunity to engage the captive holiday season crowds.
Tickets will go on sale on 10 October on www.sa20.co.za and at all stadium ticket offices.
Slacker Cat
Australia beat England by 45 runs in the first ever cricket Test as well as the Centenary Test in 1977. Australia beat England in the first ever Test match by 45 runs held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1877. Hundred years later the opposition were the same, the venue was the same and the result as well!
Mint Ness
Chris Gayle is the only batsman to hit a six off the first ball of a Test match – In the 137 years of Test cricket no cricketer has ever hit a six off the first ball of a Test match. Audacious Chris Gayle achieved this feat against Bangladesh in 2012 off debutant Sohag Gazi.