Public-service broadcaster Botswana TV acquired rights for the Botswana Premier League in a three-year deal, from 2011-12 to 2013-14, with rights-holder RP Productions, worth BWP4.2 million (€440,000/$583,000) per season.
The deal follows months of negotiations, first between Botswana TV and the league, and subsequently between the broadcaster and South African production company RP Productions, which acquired the rights from the league in August last year.
Initially, the league had sought BWP7 million per season for the rights, excluding production costs. This was considered too high by Botswana TV. The public-service broadcaster has been showing matches from the league since the start of the season at no cost under an agreement with the league, while negotiations have been ongoing.
Under the new deal, Botswana TV will broadcast 46 matches live, plus delayed coverage of a further 23 matches, per season. The deal also includes weekly highlights.
The league resumes on February 17 following a break for the Africa Cup of Nations in which the Botswana national team competed for the first time.