About Saudi Pro League.
The Saudi Pro League (SPL), known as the Roshn Saudi League for sponsorship reasons, is the top professional football division in Saudi Arabia. Here’s an overview of the league:
History and Structure
Founded: The league was established in 1976 as the Saudi Arabian League.
Format: The SPL features 16 teams that compete in a round-robin format. Each team plays the others twice, once at home and once away, for a total of 30 matches per season.
Relegation and Promotion: The bottom two teams at the end of each season are relegated to the Saudi First Division League, while the top two teams from the First Division are promoted to the SPL.
Recent Developments
Investment and Growth: In recent years, the SPL has attracted significant investment, both from the Saudi government and private sectors, as part of a broader strategy to elevate the profile of Saudi football. This includes the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and promoting sports.
International Signings: The league has become known for its high-profile signings, particularly in the summer of 2023, when several star players from Europe joined Saudi clubs. Notable transfers included:
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad)
Neymar Jr. (Al Hilal)
Ruben Neves (Al Hilal)
Popular Clubs
Al Hilal: One of the most successful clubs in Asia, with multiple league titles and continental successes, including the AFC Champions League.
Al Nassr: Known for having marquee players and competitive performances in both domestic and international competitions.
Al Ittihad: A club with a rich history and a strong fan base, consistently performing well in the league.
Competition and Popularity
The SPL has seen increased viewership both domestically and internationally due to its recent signings and competitive nature. The league is also aiming to enhance its broadcasting and marketing strategies to reach a wider audience.
Conclusion
The Saudi Pro League is undergoing a transformative phase, with ambitions to become a leading football league in Asia and attract global attention through star players, competitive play, and significant investment. Its growth is a key component of Saudi Arabia's broader sports strategy.
Where to watch the Saudi Pro League in India?
The player’s notoriety has increased the number of spectators for Saudi games. Now we examine the Saudi Pro League viewing options for Indian supporters.
India’s Sony Sports Network TV stations will show the Saudi Pro League matches of the 2024–2025 season.
Indian viewers can also stream the match on the SonyLiv website or app in addition to the TV broadcast. For viewing the league, new customers can also take advantage of the 30-day free trial.
