Saudi League broadcasting rights: A billion-dollar deal with eight clubs for six seasons
In a strategic move reflecting the qualitative leap forward for Saudi sports, the Saudi Pro League announced details of its television broadcasting rights agreement for Saudi football competitions (the Pro League and the First Division) in the Middle East and North Africa region. The total value of the agreement, signed in partnership with the First Division League and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, is 2.32 billion Saudi Riyals, following the fulfillment of all legal and regulatory requirements.
clarified
in its official statement that the new contract extends for a long-term period of up to six full sporting seasons. The agreement is scheduled to begin on August 19, 2025, and continue until the end of the 2030/2031 season. This extended duration clearly indicates the financial and organizational stability that the sports system aims for, which will enhance the commercial value of local competitions and increase their competitiveness on the regional and international stage.
Within the context of Saudi Arabia's historic transformation,
this massive deal comes at a time when the Saudi League is undergoing an unprecedented historical shift, becoming a global focal point after attracting a host of international football stars and developing the infrastructure of its clubs. Television broadcasting rights are the lifeblood of professional league revenues worldwide; therefore, the significant increase in the value of this contract aligns with the ambitions to position the Saudi League among the top 10 leagues globally and underscores the growing investment appeal of Saudi football.
The winner, “Thamania,” and the selection criteria:
In detailing the details of the winning entity, the League explained that “Thamania” channel had secured the broadcasting rights according to the announcement issued on June 14th. The League emphasized that the selection of the broadcaster was not a coincidence, but rather based on rigorous technical, operational, and commercial criteria. “Thamania’s” bid was distinguished by its extensive experience in content creation and the development of digital experiences, as well as its advanced technological infrastructure and multiple media platforms, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality broadcast product that meets the expectations of passionate sports fans.
The economic impact on clubs
is expected to be direct and tangible. The league confirmed that the increased value of the contract will be reflected in the clubs' financial resources through the approved revenue distribution model. This financial inflow will enable clubs to enhance their investment capabilities in technical aspects, attract talent, and develop youth teams, thereby increasing competitiveness on the field and ensuring the financial sustainability of clubs within the framework of the privatization project.
Aligned with Vision 2030,
the league concluded its statement by emphasizing that this agreement is not merely a commercial deal, but rather part of a comprehensive strategic plan to develop the sports broadcasting and content ecosystem. These efforts directly contribute to achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes the sports sector as a key pillar of the national economy, aiming to expand access to audiences both locally and globally, and to provide an interactive and integrated viewing experience befitting the Kingdom's leading position.
