Omar Batterjee, Director of Corporate Communications and Media at the Saudi Professional League, categorically denied recent rumors about foreign channels withdrawing from broadcasting Saudi Pro League matches. This denial came in response to speculation linking the absence of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo from some of his team Al-Nassr's recent matches to a decline in interest from international broadcasters.
General context: A historic transformation for Saudi football
This controversy comes amidst a historic transformation of the Saudi Professional League, which began with the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr in late 2022. This deal was more than just a player transfer; it signaled the start of a massive sporting project aimed at making the Saudi Professional League one of the strongest leagues in the world. This was followed by the attraction of a constellation of global football stars in the summer of 2023, such as Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mané, thanks to investments from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which raised the competition's technical and marketing value to unprecedented levels.
The importance of broadcasting rights within the framework of Vision 2030
International television broadcasting rights are a cornerstone of the league's growth strategy. Through them, Roshan League matches reach hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide, enhancing the brand of the league and Saudi clubs. These contracts are not only a significant source of revenue but also a key tool for achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and solidify the Kingdom's position as a global hub for sports and entertainment. Any decline in interest from international broadcasters could be a blow to these ambitions, which explains the league's swift denial of these rumors.
Details of the league's statements
In his remarks to the program 'In 90', Batarji clarified that the reality is the complete opposite of what is being circulated. He said, "The number of foreign channels is increasing year after year. Last summer, there was a new shift, not only in the increasing number of channels but also in the quality and duration of contracts, which have become long-term." He emphasized that this continuous growth reflects the increasing confidence in Saudi football programming and its ability to attract global viewers, stressing that "there is no truth to the rumors about any channel withdrawing.".
Ronaldo's impact and the project's sustainability
While Ronaldo's absence from Al-Nassr's recent matches may have fueled these speculations, the Saudi League's strategy is based on building a comprehensive system that doesn't rely on a single player. The presence of top stars across various clubs ensures continued excitement and fan interest, making the league an attractive product for broadcasters even without one of its biggest stars. The league's strength lies in its overall competitiveness and the value of every match, not just those featuring Ronaldo. In conclusion, the Roshan League's response confirms that the league's journey towards global recognition continues strongly, and that the recent rumors do not reflect the reality of the international media landscape, which is showing increasing interest in Saudi football.
