The Roshn Saudi Pro League (SPL) increased its live viewership by 52% year-on-year to 198 million during the 2025–26 season, while revenue rose 11.5% and social media followers grew 44%. The figures suggest Saudi Arabia’s investment in football is beginning to generate commercial growth beyond high-profile player signings.
Figures presented at the league’s General Assembly show that revenue growth followed a 12.45% increase in the previous season. However, the SPL did not disclose its total revenue or clarify whether the 198 million live-viewership figure represents unique viewers or cumulative viewing across the season.
The league’s social media following increased by 44% to 23 million, while its overall market value reached SAR4.6 billion ($1.23 billion) by the end of the campaign.
Digital reach and broadcast rights drive growth
International digital engagement has become an increasingly important part of the SPL’s commercial strategy. According to the league, non-live YouTube views increased by 255% during the 2025–26 season, with 82% of that audience coming from outside Saudi Arabia.
The league has also secured a major broadcast agreement. A six-year deal with Thmanyah, part of Saudi Research and Media Group, covers the Pro League and other Saudi football competitions. The agreement is valued at SAR2.32 billion ($618.67 million).
Alongside traditional broadcasting, the SPL is experimenting with alternative distribution models. It has launched a direct-to-consumer (D2C) service across 16 markets and is making matches available to approved content creators and third-party platforms.
The approach is designed to broaden international access, diversify distribution and reach audiences beyond conventional television channels.
Saudi Arabia’s sixth-largest league presence at the World Cup
A total of 48 players from the SPL featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making it the tournament’s sixth-most represented domestic league and the largest contributor outside Europe’s traditional top five leagues.
The league also reported progress in club operations. For the first time, every SPL club secured both domestic and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) licences during the 2025–26 season. Saudi Arabia also retained its leading position in the AFC’s men’s club competition rankings.
SPL chairman Abdulaziz Al Afaleq said the figures reflected progress across the league, its clubs and commercial partners. He added that the next phase would focus on raising competitive standards, strengthening the league’s regional and global standing, and building a more sustainable ecosystem for clubs, fans and Saudi football.
The challenge is turning attention into lasting demand
The Saudi football project, which accelerated with Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival and a wave of high-profile signings, is increasingly being measured through indicators beyond transfer fees and player salaries. Viewership, digital engagement, broadcast rights and market value offer a broader picture of its commercial development.
However, the lack of an absolute revenue figure and the absence of clarity over the methodology behind the audience numbers make it difficult to assess the scale of the progress. Percentage growth can also appear particularly strong when measured against a developing commercial base.
The underlying model remains heavily supported by state-backed investment, raising questions about how much of the league’s growth can be sustained through recurring commercial demand.
For the SPL, the next test is whether international interest will endure if spending slows. The long-term challenge is to build an audience that follows clubs and the competition itself, rather than relying primarily on the attraction of superstar players. With Ronaldo, now 41, approaching the end of his career, the league’s ability to maintain its global profile beyond its biggest names will become increasingly important.