SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith marked the competition's fifth anniversary on 5 October 2026 by calling the occasion a moment of collective pride, while unveiling growth targets and promising fresh innovations ahead of Season 5, which kicks off on 17 January 2027 at St George's Park, Gqeberha. The milestone was celebrated in Johannesburg with stakeholders, franchise representatives, partners and members of the SA20 community in attendance.

Five Years by the Numbers

Since the first ball was bowled before a sold-out crowd at Newlands on 10 January 2023, the South African franchise league has sold more than 1.6 million tickets across its first four seasons. The competition has attracted over 500 million television viewers and amassed a social media following of four million — figures that underline its rapid rise on the global cricket calendar.

Smith attributed the league's trajectory to a broad coalition of believers. 'Reaching five years is a significant milestone for SA20, but it's not one we've reached alone. It's been built on the belief of our six franchises, who bought into this vision from the very first ball and have backed it every season since; the players, both local and international, who chose to be part of something new and helped shape what SA20 has become; the partners who bought into the dream when it was just that — a dream; and the fans, who have shown up season in and season out and made this league theirs,' Smith said.

Champions and Key Moments So Far

The first four seasons have produced two distinct champions. Sunrisers Eastern Cape have been the dominant force, winning the inaugural title in 2023, retaining it in 2024 and reclaiming the trophy in 2026. Their unbroken run was interrupted only in 2025, when MI Cape Town claimed their first SA20 crown. The defending champions will open Season 5 hosting Pretoria Capitals at St George's Park — a rematch of the previous season's final.

Star-Studded Season 5 Lineup

The upcoming season will feature a potent blend of domestic and international talent. Among the South African stars expected to participate are David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi and Ryan Rickelton. The international contingent includes Jos Buttler, Sunil Narine, Rashid Khan, Phil Salt and Mitchell Marsh.

Smith highlighted that this mix has been central to SA20's identity. 'The combination of international stars, Proteas players and South Africa's emerging talent has been one of the defining features of SA20, with the competition providing a platform for the country's next generation to perform alongside some of the world's best,' he added.

Auction and Squad Building

The squad-building process will continue at the Player Auction in Johannesburg on 7 October 2026. Across the participating franchises, a total of 19 player slots remain available, with a maximum purse of $2.10 million. Notably, Durban's Super Giants and Paarl Royals have already completed their full 19-player squads and will therefore not feature in the auction.

What Comes Next

Season 5 will run across South Africa for approximately a month, with all six franchises competing for the SA20 trophy. Tickets for the new season are scheduled to go on sale on 5 November 2026 through the SA20 website and ticket offices at the six participating stadiums.

Smith was unambiguous about the league's ambitions going forward. 'What we have seen over the past four seasons has shown us that the love for cricket has always been there. SA20 has created a platform for world-class cricket, new talent and unforgettable fan experiences. As we enter our fifth season, we are excited to continue building on the legacy and introducing new innovations that will deliver memorable spectator experiences,' he said.

With the auction days away and the season opener less than four months out, SA20's fifth year looks set to be its most competitive yet.