Saudi Pro League Eyes Netflix Partnership for Documentary Amid Global Expansion

Key Takeaway

• Saudi Pro League, home to stars like Ronaldo and Neymar Jr., in talks for a documentary with potential Netflix partnership.
• SPL's global push includes $875 million on players, aiming to elevate its status alongside hosting the 2034 World Cup bid.
• Despite fan engagement challenges, SPL secures broadcasting in 130+ territories, indicating rising international interest.

Saudi League's Global Ambitions

Saudi Arabia's football league, known for attracting high-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr., is exploring new avenues to enhance its global presence. The league is currently in discussions to produce a documentary series, aiming to highlight its growing influence in world football. This initiative seeks to capitalize on the league's recent signings of star players by potentially partnering with major streaming platforms such as Netflix Inc. The Saudi Pro League (SPL) is considering WhisperTV, co-founded by ex-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard, for the production of this series. However, official comments from SPL, WhisperTV, Netflix, and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport are pending.

Strategic Investments in Football

Under the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia is diversifying its economy beyond oil, focusing on sectors like sports and tourism. This strategic pivot has seen the Kingdom's football clubs spending approximately $875 million on international talent last summer, a figure surpassed only by English clubs. This investment is part of a broader effort to elevate the Saudi Pro League's status on the global stage, which includes the state-backed Public Investment Fund's acquisition of Newcastle United and four SPL clubs. Saudi Arabia is also the sole contender to host the 2034 World Cup, underscoring its commitment to becoming a key player in international football.

Star Power and Broadcasting Success

The arrival of football luminaries such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., Karim Benzema, along with esteemed coaches like Steven Gerrard and Roberto Mancini, has significantly boosted the SPL's profile. Despite these high-profile signings, the league faces challenges in fan engagement, with average game attendance dropping to just over 8,200 in the 2023-24 season, a decline of about 12% from the previous year. Nonetheless, the global appeal of these stars has enabled the SPL to secure broadcasting agreements in over 130 territories, with reported rates four times higher than the previous season, indicating a growing international interest in Saudi football.