In a record-breaking journey, the Proteas Women’s cricket team made history as the first senior South African team to reach a World Cup final in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in February 2023. Achieving back-to-back final appearances in 2024, the Proteas Women have captured the nation’s attention, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for women’s cricket across South Africa.

This increased interest is evident in data from Nielsen Sports SA Fan Insights, which highlights a surge in engagement and viewership numbers. Women’s cricket is becoming a major force in the country, as shown by the impressive figures: SuperSport’s 2024 broadcasts reached a unique live audience of 982,988, a 21% increase from the previous year, and a total unique audience of over 1.2 million, up 17% from 2023. The team now commands a top-2 level of interest, rising from 57% in 2023 to 63% in 2024.

An Evolving Fan Demographic

The data reveals a demographic shift: half of the highly engaged fans are women, and two-thirds are under the age of 40. This suggests that the Proteas Women’s achievements have inspired a new wave of enthusiasm across diverse and younger viewer segments.

Tumelo Selikane, Managing Director at Nielsen Sports SA, comments: “The Proteas Women’s remarkable success has resonated deeply with South African fans. This historic achievement shows that women’s cricket in South Africa is capturing the hearts and minds of both traditional cricket followers and new audiences, particularly among younger fans. SuperSport’s extensive coverage has been instrumental in bringing this excitement into the homes of many proud South Africans.”

Selikane also notes the significance for brands: “The team is not only being noticed by fans but also by brands looking to connect with the growing audience. The data is a powerful indicator for rightsholders who want to gain a foothold with a new generation of fans.”

SuperSport’s Commitment to Women’s Sport

SuperSport’s commitment to showcasing women’s sports has been pivotal in making the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup more accessible. With live broadcasts on seven channels and secondary viewership increasing by 12%, South Africans engaged with women’s cricket like never before. This reflects a rising passion for the sport and sets the stage for even greater support in the years to come. Good luck to the team for 2025!

TV viewership data Source: BRC TAMS 2024.

Press Release Submitted By

Company Name: Nielsen Sports SA
Contact Person: Tumelo Selikane, Managing Director
Website: Nielsen Sports

Total Words: 459

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Historic Run of Proteas Women's Cricket Team Shines with SuperSport Viewers
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