Sports

BFL clinches on-air partnerships

CEO, Senzo Mbatha
 
CEO, Senzo Mbatha

The Botswana Football League (BFL) is on a mission to bring in some serious cash flow. Successful partnerships are already in place with Botswana Television, Vision View TV, and VIB Mobile, as BFL is pulling out all the stops to snag a headline sponsor and launch the 2023-2024 season with a bang.

BFL has managed to score a major deal with Botswana Television, worth a whopping P8 million, which will see Botswana Television as the official broadcast partner for the 2023-2024 season.

Last season was a real struggle without a main sponsor for the BFL. It impacted the quality of the league and clubs, attendance was down, and things just felt dry. However, the organization is determined to turn things around for the next season. The aim is to secure a sponsor that will elevate the league's image and bring back the energy and excitement that fans and player's desire.

The BFL's CEO, Senzo Mbatha, has announced that the league is in talks with potential sponsors, and that there has been previous expressions of interest. Mbatha confirmed that the league is actively exploring these options and working towards finalizing a sponsorship deal. This development is a promising sign for the league, signaling potential for growth and increased investment in the future.

“We've been putting in the work, doing presentations and meetings with the potential sponsor. 'We're not just sitting back and waiting, we're using every opportunity to get the message out there and build relationships. I'm happy to confirm that there's definitely been interest in partnering with us, which is a great sign. We're making moves, too, introducing marketing and media manuals to ensure that we can offer our sponsors real value through standardized operational models at all our clubs,” He mentioned.

The BFL has as well secured a three-year deal with Vision View Tv to broadcast games that BTV cannot access. This partnership is a significant move for the league, as it opens up new revenue streams for member clubs. With these smart moves, the BFL is positioning itself for a lucrative and successful season, and beyond.

The BFL has now completed negotiations with VIB Mobile, sealing a partnership that designates VIB Mobile as the league's official 'online fan engagement partner.' This collaboration will enable the league to interact with fans through mobile value-added services, enhancing fan engagement and deepening the league's connection with its supporters. This partnership is yet another savvy move for the BFL, as it seeks to build a more engaged and vibrant fan community.

With VIB Mobile on board, the BFL anticipates that fans will become active participants in the league's narrative. Through SMS short codes, spectators will have the power to vote for their favorite players and coaches, shaping the league's narrative and elevating fan engagement to a new level. This move represents a transformative shift in the fan experience, empowering them to play a meaningful role in the league's story.