The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) and TopStar Communications Company Limited have resolved their long-running broadcast impasse, clearing the way for the return of live MTN Super League matches to television starting this weekend.
In a joint statement released by both parties, the league confirmed that coverage will resume with Week 28 fixtures following what was described as “fruitful and constructive engagement.”
“TopStar Communications Company Limited and the Zambian Premier League are proud to announce the resumption of the broadcast of the MTN Super League on television,” read part of the statement.
“We thank our clubs, partners, and supporters for their patience and continued support during this period, and we look forward to delivering an improved and consistent viewing experience.”
The announcement brings relief to fans and stakeholders who had been left in the dark since Week 12, when broadcasts abruptly stopped despite an existing agreement.
The deal, signed in August last year, is a five-year arrangement worth US$5 million — translating to US$1 million per season.
However, TopStar’s failure to televise matches for several weeks had raised serious concerns over the execution of the contract and the visibility of Zambia’s top-flight league.
TopStar assumed broadcasting rights following the end of a historic partnership between the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and SuperSport, which had spanned 18 years. That collaboration, which began in 2007, ushered in live league broadcasts from the 2008 season and became a cornerstone of local football coverage.
Beyond the core broadcasting deal, TopStar had also pledged an additional K960,000 towards sponsorship of the ZPL Annual Awards, underlining the broader scope of its involvement in the domestic game.
With the dispute now settled, matches will be available across multiple platforms including the TopStar Mobile App, Sun Sport, ZNBC TV3, Sports Focus, and StarTimes — restoring much-needed exposure to clubs and players as the season heads into a crucial phase.
