Bok blackout averted: MultiChoice agrees 16 World Cup matches for broadcast on SABC

With a reliable power supply and a functioning telly, South Africans with or without a DStv subscription will have access to live matches involving defending champions, the Springboks, at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. 

On the eve of the global showpiece, MultiChoice confirmed that it had reached an agreement in principle with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to sub-license broadcast rights to show selected matches.

The confirmation came soon after the SABC had announced on Thursday that it had met the necessary requirements in finalising an agreement with Multichoice.

“We are pleased to have reached an arrangement with the SABC in the spirit of cooperation,” said Marc Jury, chief executive of MultiChoice SA.

The opening World Cup match between three-time champions New Zealand and hosts France kicks off at Stade de France in Paris on Friday (21:15).

In the event that the Springboks don't qualify for the knockout stages, the above matches will still be available for broadcast, MultiChoice said.

According to the public broadcaster, the corporation had been in intense negotiations with the pay channel giant.

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The SABC can confirm that the Corporation has been in constant engagements with Multichoice and has met all their requirements to conclude the agreement regarding the Rugby World Cup 2023. At this stage, the SABC is awaiting feedback from… pic.twitter.com/yGYNDtuLh1

Earlier in the week, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa set out to resolve the dispute between the two parties in which the SABC faced challenges in meeting MultiChoice's reported R38-million demand for the rights to show the matches. 

He had reportedly engaged with Minister of Communications and Digital