SA Football Gets Boost with SAFA, Hollywoodbets Partnership

The South African Football Association (SAFA), Hollywoodbets, and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) have announced a new format for the Hollywoodbets Super League, which underscores their continued commitment to building a stronger, commercially viable, and fully professional women’s football ecosystem in South Africa.

Enhancing Women’s Football in South Africa

This year, the league will move from a 16-team national format to two streams of eight teams each, as outlined in the announcement. The new structure is designed to reduce the financial burden on clubs, improve match day experiences, strengthen the broadcast product, and create more high-stakes football throughout the season.

A major feature of this format will be the introduction of a Championship Match, creating a marquee event for fans, sponsors, and broadcasters, while increasing the excitement around the league. The changes also pave the way for a two-division structure from 2027, introducing promotion and relegation to strengthen competitiveness and long-term sustainability within women’s football.

A New Digital Platform for Women’s Football

Alongside the new format, the league will also introduce a refreshed digital platform through nwl.co.za. Fans can look forward to festivalised match weekends, centrally coordinated event experiences, and enhanced broadcast production in partnership with the SABC. They can expect improved match day experiences, increased television exposure, stronger radio promotion, and improved streaming accessibility where broadcast coverage is unavailable.

SAFA and Hollywoodbets believe the new structure represents more than just a format change – it is a strategic reset that will build a stronger, more sustainable, and more exciting future for women’s football in South Africa. SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao said, “The introduction of the festivals for this league will enhance the event experience for fans, level the competition for clubs, and enhance the broadcast for viewers at home on the SABC platform.”

A Better Experience for Fans and Players

Hollywood Group spokesperson, Vuyisile Ngobese, added, “Hollywoodbets has believed in the potential of women’s football since day one. This new format will create a stronger platform for clubs and players and provide a better experience for supporters across the country.” Keletso Totlhanyo, Head of Sport at SABC, said, “We are delighted to be one of the key enablers at the forefront of advocating for the development and empowerment of women in sports.”

The new era of the Hollywoodbets Super League is expected to deliver stronger competition, improved commercial opportunities, enhanced fan experiences, and greater long-term sustainability for clubs – all while continuing to elevate the standard and visibility of women’s football in South Africa.