SAFA And Hollywoodbets Announce Major Overhaul Of Women’s Super League
The South African Football Association [SAFA], Hollywoodbets and the South African Broadcasting Corporation have announced a new format for the Hollywoodbets Super League.
The initiative underscores a continued commitment to building a stronger, commercially viable and fully professional women’s football ecosystem in South Africa.
Starting this year, the league will move from a 16-team national format to two streams of eight teams each. The 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 the new format will be the introduction of a Championship Match, creating a marquee event for fans, sponsors and broadcasters, while increasing 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 ensure the long-term sustainability of women’s football.
Alongside the new format, the league will also launch a refreshed digital platform through nwl.co.za. Fans can look forward to festival-style match weekends, centrally coordinated event experiences and enhanced broadcast production in partnership with the SABC.
Supporters can also expect improved match-day experiences, increased television exposure, stronger radio promotion and better 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 aimed at building a stronger, more sustainable and more exciting future for women’s football in South Africa.
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao said:
“The introduction of festival-style events for this league will enhance the fan experience, level the competition for clubs and improve the broadcast product for viewers on the SABC platform. This will enable us to increase the number of televised matches on SABC, enhance sponsor value for Hollywoodbets and attract new sponsors.
“We appreciate the continued partnership with Hollywoodbets and the collaboration on our roadmap to realise the goals of the SAFA Women’s Football Strategy 2025–2028, launched last year. Good luck to all the teams in the upcoming Super-Era and Super-Rise season, and we look forward to fans experiencing the very best of African women’s football.”
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, while also providing a better experience for supporters across the country. Together with SAFA, we remain committed to helping grow and professionalise the women’s game in South Africa.”
Keletso Totlhanyo, Head of Sport at the 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 sport. For us, this is not just about broadcasting matches — it is about giving women’s sport the respect, platform and future it deserves.
“As a public service broadcaster, we have both the reach and the responsibility to ensure that women’s sport is accessible to all communities. Together with our partners, we aim to contribute to social progress and the long-term sustainability of women’s sport.”
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, while continuing to elevate the standard and visibility of women’s football in South Africa.
