The South African Football Association (SAFA), operator Hollywoodbets and the South African Broadcasting Corporation have announced a revised structure for the Hollywoodbets Super League as women’s football in South Africa continues to attract greater commercial and broadcast attention.
Beginning with the 2026 season, the 16-team national competition will split into two streams of eight teams.
The revised structure will culminate in a Championship Match, while SAFA also confirmed plans to introduce a two-division system with promotion and relegation from 2027.
The governing body said the changes are intended to reduce travel and operational costs for clubs while increasing the number of high-profile fixtures available for television broadcast.
The move comes amid broader efforts to professionalize women’s football in South Africa following the national team’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations success in 2022 and growing interest from broadcasters and sponsors in the domestic game.
South Africa’s women’s football sector has faced persistent financial pressures in recent years, with clubs regularly citing travel costs and limited commercial support as barriers to sustainability.
SAFA launched its Women’s Football Strategy 2025-28 last year, outlining plans to improve league structures, increase sponsorship revenue and expand media visibility.
The SABC’s involvement is expected to play a central role in that strategy. South African sports broadcasting rights have become increasingly competitive, particularly as football organizations seek wider free-to-air coverage alongside digital distribution.
Under the revised format, SAFA said festival-style match weekends and centralized event operations will also be introduced to improve attendance and streamline production logistics.
A refreshed digital platform through nwl.co.za is scheduled to launch alongside expanded television and radio coverage.
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.”
Hollywoodbets has continued to increase its sports sponsorship activity across South Africa in recent years, including horse racing, rugby and football partnerships, as operators seek stronger brand visibility in regulated African betting markets.
Hollywood Group spokesperson Vuyisile Ngobese said: “This new format will create a stronger platform for clubs and players and provide a better experience for supporters across the country.”
The restructuring also follows wider growth in women’s sports investment globally, with broadcasters and betting operators increasingly targeting domestic competitions as media rights and sponsorship opportunities expand across emerging markets.
Earlier this month, Hollywoodbets expanded its online gaming portfolio through a South African partnership with Incentive Games, marking the supplier’s entry into the market with crash and arcade-style titles.
The Championship Match will serve as a standalone marquee fixture designed for television audiences, sponsors and live event activation
