Saudi Football: Saudi Pro League Strikes Global Broadcast Pacts

Saudi football is witnessing a new era as the Saudi Pro League secures global broadcast deals, including partnerships with networks like DAZN, Canal+, and more. The rise in popularity and stature of the league has been driven by iconic player acquisitions and worldwide exposure.

Outlook International Desk

Updated on: 9 August 2023 9:21 pm

The 2023-24 season of SPL would be a litmus test for the league’s global ambitions

Saudi football is witnessing a massive change as major networks and streaming platforms queued up to secure deals with Saudi Arabia's premier football league, the Saudi Pro League, to broadcast its matches to audiences across 130 territories. Facilitated by IMG Media, the League's organizers successfully reached agreements with prominent networks and companies such as DAZN, Canal+, Sony Network, and others.

DAZN for instance is poised to bring the excitement of up to three live matches per week from the Saudi Pro League to audiences in the UK, Germany, and Austria. This is part of a one-year agreement reportedly valued at around $500,000. Noteworthy agreements have also been sealed with undisclosed broadcasters in Greece and Brazil. Additionally, SPOTV, based in South Korea, has officially confirmed its intention to broadcast 102 live matches across various regions, encompassing Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand.

Ever since Al-Nassr's signing of Ronaldo in December 2022, the Saudi Pro League has experienced growth in both popularity and quality. Other iconic players like Karim Benzema, Kalidou Koulibaly, Roberto Firmino, and Jordan Henderson have also inked contracts with Saudi clubs, poised to make their debut in the 2023-24 season. These new broadcast deals have ensured that the Middle Eastern domestic league reaches diverse global audiences, captures ample attention, and elevates its stature.

Saudi Arabia's substantial investments in sports serve a dual purpose: diversifying the economy away from oil and enhancing international prominence. Evidently, the Saudi Pro League is resolute in making its valuable acquisitions and clubs accessible on a global scale. This objective isn't solely financial; it's equally about gaining widespread visibility and recognition, supported by the league's financial backing.

The trajectory of the 2023-24 season and its outcome will shed light on the league's path, which is currently ascending in popularity and influence.