The Saudi Pro League captures global attention with massive investments, high-profile talent acquisitions, and significant competitive growth.
In early 2025, the Saudi Pro League (SPL) made another bold statement on the global football stage with Aston Villa’s Colombian striker Jhon Duran sealing a high-profile move to Al-Nassr, a Saudi Pro League club for up to USD77.9 million.
Reports suggest more top European stars including the 39-year-old Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr are also being targeted for moving to SPL.
The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has been actively signing high-profile international players in recent years. In 2023 alone, the league set a record by spending USD 957 million on player transfers, with nearly USD900 million coming from Public Investment Fund (PIF)-owned clubs. This massive investment placed SPL clubs among the top 20 globally in transfer spending, competing with Europe’s elite.
According to Transfermarkt, a leading German football analysis platform, the SPL consists of 18 clubs and features 180 foreign players, making up 37% of the league’s total player base. The league’s overall market value stands at an impressive USD 97.74 billion, reflecting its growing financial and competitive strength.
In 2023, the league made headlines with significant signings, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar, and N’Golo Kanté. These high-profile players have elevated the league’s global profile.
The rise of the SPL is largely due to the financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF, which acquired majority stakes in four of the league’s top clubs: Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli.
The PIF’s involvement has helped pump significant funds into the league, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the nation’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil.
The country’s sports investments aim to drive tourism and economic growth. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman acknowledges their economic impact, even if seen as sportswashing.
“Well if sportswashing is going to increase my GDP by one percent, then I will continue doing sportswashing,” says Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a recent interview to a news channel.
The league’s growing visibility is also reflected in its expanding broadcast reach, with matches being aired in over 165 countries during the 2024-25 season, reaching millions of viewers across the globe.
This global visibility has contributed to increasing TV ratings, with viewers tuning in to watch high-stakes matches featuring international superstars.
Despite its rapid growth, the SPL faces challenges, particularly in terms of fan engagement. Extreme heat during the summer months, with temperatures reaching up to 48.89°C, forces match to be scheduled at night, impacting attendance.
One cannot rule out the transformation of English Premier League club Newcastle United after its acquisition by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in 2021. It ranked 2 from the last, but substantial investment turned the club’s fortunes around, leading to a top-four finish in the EPL, securing a Champions League spot. With a renewed focus on local talent development, the SPL’s future is full of potential and should not be underestimated.
