The Roshn Saudi League (RSL) recorded significant growth in global viewership, digital engagement and revenue during the 2025-26 season, with total live viewership rising 52% to 198 million, according to figures presented by the Saudi Pro League (SPL) to its General Assembly.
The league’s total revenue increased by 11.5%, following growth of 12.45% in the 2024-25 season. Its social media following also grew by 44% to reach 23 million, reflecting its expanding international audience.
By the end of the 2025-26 season, the RSL’s market value had reached SAR 4.6 billion. The league also retained its position as Asia’s top-ranked domestic league, according to the Asian Football Confederation.
Growing International Reach
The RSL’s international profile was further highlighted at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where 48 players from the Saudi top flight featured. This made the league the sixth-most represented league globally and the most represented outside Europe’s traditional Big Five leagues.
During the 2025-26 season, the RSL expanded its international broadcast distribution through new agreements, taking its global network of broadcast partners to more than 40.
The league also strengthened its digital presence through 19 accounts across 11 platforms in four languages. YouTube views of RSL content, excluding live broadcasts, increased by 255%, with 82% of those views coming from outside Saudi Arabia.
Eng. Abdulaziz Al Afaleq, Chairman of the Saudi Pro League Board of Directors, said the results reflected progress across the league and strong collaboration between clubs, the SPL and its partners. He added that the league aims to improve competition, strengthen its international standing and build a more sustainable football ecosystem.
Supporting Club Development and Sustainability
Alongside its commercial growth, the SPL continued initiatives to strengthen club operations and support long-term sustainability.
For the first time, all RSL clubs secured both domestic and Asian licences. The achievement followed a support programme involving more than 120 club visits and workshops to help clubs meet licensing requirements.
The SPL also continued developing its regulatory and financial frameworks to improve efficiency. This included introducing a performance-based distribution mechanism for allocations under the Player Acquisition Centre of Excellence (PACE) programme, designed to reward performance and encourage further development.
Focus on Long-Term Growth
Omar Mugharbel, Chief Executive Officer of the SPL, said the figures demonstrated progress in viewership, digital engagement, sponsorship, broadcast rights and international reach.
He said the league’s next phase would focus on converting this growth into sustainable value for clubs by strengthening their capabilities, expanding commercial opportunities and improving operational efficiency.
The SPL also aims to enhance the overall league product, improve the fan experience and raise the level of competition as the Roshn Saudi League continues to expand its presence in global football.
