CREDIT: Sportcal
The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has reported a 20% uplift in annual global media rights revenue over the past two seasons, underlining its growing influence in world football. Thanks to a series of new broadcast and digital agreements, the SPL will now be shown in more than 180 territories during the 2024-25 campaign — its third consecutive cycle of revenue growth.
Regional Performance: Asia Leads the Way
The SPL’s strongest growth came from Asia, where rights revenue jumped 35%. This was fueled by major new multi-year partnerships with:
- Spotv in Southeast Asia
- Fancode in India
- Begin in Pakistan
The Americas followed with a 32% uplift, led by a marquee deal with Globo in Brazil and expanded coverage through Fox Sports in the United States.
In Africa, revenue rose 25%, supported by a partnership with ESPN Africa, ensuring more consistent visibility across the continent.
Global Reach and Fanbase Growth
According to league data, the SPL attracted as many as 230 million fans worldwide during the 2024-25 season. Chief executive Omar Mugharbel framed the latest deals as part of a long-term strategy:
“We are entering a new era of global visibility and fandom. By partnering with a mix of world-class broadcasters and innovative digital platforms we are making the Roshn Saudi League accessible to football fans around the world.”
The SPL has also focused heavily on short-form content distribution, expanding highlights and match clips across YouTube, OneFootball, and DAZN, where it now runs a dedicated content hub.
Role of IMG
The SPL’s international media rights are managed by IMG, one of the industry’s leading sports marketing agencies. IMG renewed its distribution deal with the league in August for another four-year cycle, continuing a relationship that has significantly scaled the SPL’s footprint.
- In 2023-24, SPL matches were aired in 160 countries on more than 40 platforms.
- By 2024-25, that coverage had grown to 184 countries on 43+ platforms spanning six continents.
This rapid acceleration highlights both the league’s global demand and IMG’s ability to deliver reach in new and emerging markets.
What It Means for Global Football?
- Strategic Positioning – The SPL is positioning itself not just as a domestic league but as a global entertainment property.
- Market Diversification – By locking in long-term deals across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, the league mitigates risk while ensuring consistent global presence.
- Short-Form First – Expanding highlights and digital content hubs shows an understanding of Gen Z and millennial consumption patterns, where clips often matter more than full matches.
- Benchmarking Against Europe – While still trailing the Premier League or LaLiga in value, the SPL’s rapid growth trajectory makes it a competitor for attention, sponsors, and fan engagement.
- Investor Confidence – The long-term nature of the broadcast agreements signals that global media partners believe in the league’s future, not just its high-profile signings.
Final Word
The Saudi Pro League’s 20% media rights uplift reflects a deliberate strategy of global expansion, digital-first thinking, and brand-building. With IMG driving distribution and new partners across every continent, the SPL is no longer just a domestic competition — it is positioning itself as part of football’s global mainstream ecosystem.
For leagues, clubs, and investors, the SPL’s approach offers a case study in how media rights, when combined with bold strategy and international partnerships, can transform a league’s global relevance.
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