The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) has attributed the continued absence of live match broadcasts to ongoing administrative and commercial engagements with its broadcast partner.
In a statement, the League said interim measures have been put in place to ensure that all processes remain fully aligned with contractual obligations before the resumption of live coverage. ZPL expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and assured stakeholders that efforts are underway to resolve the matter.
However, a closer reading of the statement points to a lack of clear direction, particularly for fans and clubs who expected improved visibility following the much-publicised broadcast deal. What was initially hailed as an exciting, home-grown solution following the signing of a deal reportedly valued at over K1 million between ZPL and TopStar has not unfolded as planned.
Under the arrangement, TopStar was expected to produce league matches, distribute the content to its subscribers and share revenue with the League. To facilitate production, TopStar invited several video production companies to pitch for the role, with ZPL overseeing compliance with broadcast standards.
Two production companies one based in Lusaka and another on the Copperbelt emerged as frontrunners and were tasked with covering matches in their respective regions. These matches were aired during the first round of the season as trial productions ahead of formal contracts.
However, the production companies reportedly invested heavily in equipment, staffing and logistics without receiving the expected financial or logistical support from TopStar. In some cases, equipment had to be hired using the companies’ own resources, a situation that proved unsustainable.
This partly explains why fans saw more promotional material than actual live matches. As the league approaches the end of the second round, the production companies are said to be reluctant to continue self-financing operations without signed contracts or guaranteed compensation.
Despite the demonstrated capacity to deliver quality broadcasts, TopStar has yet to commit fully to funding production, while continuing to benefit commercially from the association with the League.
There is growing belief that TopStar’s hesitation is linked to uncertainty over subscriber numbers, with fans divided between retaining existing pay-TV services such as GOtv or switching platforms specifically to watch ZPL matches.
As things stand, the situation remains unresolved, leaving clubs, players and supporters without consistent live coverage one of the key pillars for growing the league’s commercial value.
For now, stakeholders can only watch closely as developments continue to unfold.
