SA20’s future beyond six teams is now firmly on the table, says league commissioner Graeme Smith.

With the fourth season drawing record crowds and renewed debate about where the competition goes next, Smith confirmed that SA20’s organisers are already thinking beyond the current format – even if no immediate changes are planned.

“There was a commitment made to the franchises that initially invested in SA20 that we wouldn’t do anything for five years. We would allow the tournament to grow,” Smith said. “Post-season five, it certainly will be something that would need to be considered.”

Smith acknowledged that discussions about adding another franchise have intensified as the league’s popularity has surged, but stressed that any decision would be driven by long-term sustainability rather than momentum alone.

“There’s a number of factors that need to be weighed in … We do get approached from outside investors that are keen, but are there another 25-30 high-quality South African players?” he said.

While the league may evolve in future, Smith ruled out changes to the playoff structure, including the possibility of hosting home playoff matches.

“It’ll be impossible because of the narrow competition window and various elements, including SuperSport rushing to set up for a production,” he said.

Smith was otherwise glowing in his assessment of the recently completed season, which featured four centuries for the first time, two hat-tricks, the competition’s first Super Over and a last-over final.

“I would say from a cricket perspective, it is absolutely the best-ever SA20 season,” he said.

He also credited the pre-season mega auction with keeping all six teams competitive deep into the league phase.

“Franchises had learned for three years and the marketplace in South Africa had shifted,” Smith said. “But just seeing the intensity of the players, and how much it means to them, shows we’re building something that is really meaningful in South African cricket.”