Saudi Pro League
Saudi Arabian football league.
The Saudi Pro League (SPL) is the top professional football league in Saudi Arabia and the highest level of the Saudi football league system. Established in 1976, it has grown to become the highest-ranked league in Asia, as recognized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The league currently features 18 clubs competing for the championship, with the season typically running from August to May. Each team plays 34 matches, facing every other team twice, once at home and once away.
The SPL operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Saudi First Division League (now known as the Yelo League). At the end of each season, the bottom three clubs are relegated to the second tier, while the top three teams from the lower division are promoted to the SPL.
In recent years, the Saudi Pro League has gained significant international attention due to its ambitious transformation strategy, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. This strategy aims to position the league among the world's top football competitions. A key aspect of this transformation has been the influx of high-profile international players, most notably Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in January 2023 on a record-breaking contract.
The league's financial power has been bolstered by substantial investments from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which acquired majority stakes in four of the country's top clubs: Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli. This has enabled SPL clubs to offer lucrative contracts to attract world-class talent from European leagues.
The SPL's growing prominence is reflected in its increasing global viewership and commercial appeal. The league has secured broadcasting deals in numerous countries, making matches more accessible to international audiences. While attendance figures are generally lower than top European leagues, with an average of around 10,000 spectators per game, some clubs like Al Ittihad draw crowds of over 40,000.
Historically, the league has been dominated by a few clubs, with Al-Hilal being the most successful, boasting 18 titles. Other notable clubs include Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, each with nine championships. The competitive landscape is evolving rapidly with the recent investments and high-profile signings, potentially reshaping the league's hierarchy.