Financial struggles force PSL officials to reconsider plans for expanding the league in South Africa

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the Premier Soccer League (PSL) possibly increasing the number of teams from 16 to 18.

Fans are excited at the thought of more action, more competition, and a potentially more exciting league.

However, despite the speculation, several major hurdles make this expansion highly unlikely—at least for now.

This isn’t the first time the PSL has had 18 teams.

Years ago, the league had to downsize after Ria Stars and Free State Stars were dissolved due to financial struggles.

Now, with Royal AM’s ongoing fixture headaches reigniting the conversation, league officials have reportedly considered a return to the larger format. But is it even feasible?

The Financial Burden of Expansion

One of the biggest obstacles to adding two more teams is money.

Each club in the PSL receives financial grants from the league, which help cover essential expenses like travel, accommodation, and match-day operations.

Expanding the league would mean more teams sharing the same pool of resources, significantly increasing overall costs.

Many clubs are already feeling the pinch, with some even selling their league statuses due to financial struggles.

Without a major increase in revenue from sponsorships or broadcasting deals, adding more teams would only deepen these financial challenges.

Simply put, if the league isn’t generating enough money now, how would it afford to sustain additional teams?

Fixture Congestion and Scheduling Headaches

Beyond the financial aspect, there’s also the issue of fixture congestion.

The PSL is already packed with three domestic knockout competitions, and teams that compete in CAF tournaments frequently complain about the demanding schedule.

Adding more teams would only make things worse.

Clubs would have to play more matches, increasing player fatigue and logistical nightmares.

Coaches and players are already vocal about the difficulty of balancing domestic and continental commitments—expanding the league would push them to their limits.

Sponsorship Challenges

Sponsorships are another major factor to consider.

Attracting financial backers is already tough for many clubs, and if the league expands, more teams would be competing for the same pool of sponsors.

The reality is that many clubs struggle to secure long-term financial support, and bringing in two more teams would only intensify the battle for sponsorship deals.

Key Decision-Makers Are Not Convinced

Despite the growing speculation, influential figures within the PSL have firmly dismissed the idea of expansion.

A league insider made it clear that such a move isn’t on the horizon:

“I see people talking about an 18-team league. That thing is not going to happen.

They need to call a Board of Governors meeting with all 32 members.

It’s something that needs to be discussed and agreed upon.

It’s going to affect promotion and relegation.”

The source further emphasized the financial strain such a decision would bring:

“Already, as it is, the league is not making enough money.

So, they would have to spend about R30 million per club, and that’s too much.

Where is that money going to come from? This thing of the 18-team league won’t happen.”

The Harsh Reality

While the thought of a bigger league is appealing, the reality is far less exciting.

With club owners already struggling to sustain their teams and the PSL facing revenue challenges, expansion would likely create more problems than solutions.

For now, it looks like the PSL will stick with 16 teams, keeping costs manageable and ensuring that South Africa’s top-flight football remains financially stable.

Fans hoping for a bigger league may have to wait much longer for such a change to happen—if it ever does.