By Michael Miyoba
TOPSTAR Communications has reportedly begun the process of settling outstanding payments owed to the Zambia Premier League (ZPL), a development that could pave the way for the return of live broadcasts of the MTN Super League.
Sources within the league have disclosed that the broadcaster had accumulated arrears owed to the league, a situation that contributed to the suspension of televised matches on TopStar platforms in recent months.
The broadcast blackout had raised concern among football stakeholders and fans after Super League matches stopped appearing on TopStar channels despite the existence of a long-term broadcasting agreement between the two parties.
The situation recently attracted the attention of Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba, who issued a directive giving both the league and the broadcaster 72 hours to resolve the impasse and restore television coverage of domestic matches.
Mweemba warned that the matter needed urgent attention in order to protect the integrity and commercial value of the league, adding that failure to honour contractual obligations could lead to further action by the football governing body.
According to insiders, TopStar has now started making payments towards the outstanding amount owed to ZPL, signalling progress in resolving the dispute and raising hopes that Super League matches could soon return to television screens.
The broadcast rights were secured by TopStar in 2025 after the company signed a five-year broadcasting partnership with ZPL valued at about US$1 million per season (approximately US$5 million over five years).
Under the agreement, TopStar was expected to broadcast MTN Super League matches across multiple platforms including the TopStar Mobile App and television channels such as Sun Sport, Sports Focus and ZNBC TV3, while also helping expand the visibility of Zambian football both locally and internationally.
The deal was initially hailed as a milestone for domestic football, with ZPL chief executive officer Joseph Chimpampwe describing it as a partnership that would enhance commercial opportunities, broaden fan access and increase the global exposure of Zambian players.
While the exact amount already paid by TopStar has not been officially disclosed, sources close to the negotiations say discussions between the broadcaster, ZPL and FAZ are ongoing to ensure that contractual obligations are fulfilled and that television coverage of the league resumes as soon as possible.
The MTN Super League remains Zambia’s top-tier football competition and broadcasting revenue is considered a key component in supporting clubs and improving the professionalisation of the game.
