Indian sports-focused OTT streaming service, FanCode, has secured a multi-year deal for the rights to the Saudi Pro League (SPL) soccer top-flight. This move marks SPL's venture into India and other Asian countries, expanding its distribution across Asia.
FanCode will serve as the exclusive home of the league in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The four-year deal will run through the 2028-29 campaign. The partnership is centered around Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo who currently plays for Al-Nassr.
FanCode, under its exclusive partnership with the Saudi Pro League (SPL), will broadcast a minimum of one Al-Nassr game each week throughout the duration of their deal. This agreement also ensures that sports fans will have access to over 150 SPL fixtures each season on FanCode. Moreover, the comprehensive broadcasting rights extend to include major tournaments such as the season-opening Saudi Super Cup and the highly anticipated Saudi King's Cup knockout competition. The collaboration commenced with a match between Al Nassr and Al-Taawoun followed by a clash between Al-Hilal and Al-Riyadh.
Expanding portfolio
In addition to the rights to the Saudi Pro League, FanCode also boasts an impressive portfolio of streaming rights for various prestigious tournaments. This includes top-line continental club tournaments under the Asian Football Confederation such as the AFC Champions League Elite, where many Saudi clubs compete, AFC Champions League Two, and the AFC Challenge League. Furthermore, FanCode has secured a five-year deal for Spain’s premier football league - LaLiga. The service also holds broadcasting rights for England's EFL Cup among other notable sporting events.
Expanding its reach across Asia, the Saudi Pro League (SPL) has forged a new partnership with SPOTV, a pan-regional sports streaming service owned by South Korean broadcaster Eclat Media Group. This collaboration will see SPOTV showcasing three matches per gameweek from the league's high-profile clubs and providing highlights packages and other coverage across its linear TV channels and the SPOTV Now OTT streaming service.
Furthermore, this partnership extends SPL's visibility to 14 Asian territories including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore Taiwan Thailand and Vietnam.
Commercial partnership with Abdul Latif Jameel motors
In addition to its broadcasting partnerships, the Saudi Pro League (SPL) has also entered into a commercial partnership with Saudi Arabian car dealership Abdul Latif Jameel Motors. As part of this agreement, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors ascends to the status of a platinum-tier sponsor of the SPL. Furthermore, Toyota has been designated as the official car of the SPL. This partnership will also see collaboration between the league and the car dealer on community-focused grassroots initiatives, further enhancing their mutual commitment towards community development.
This adds to other platinum partners such as Visit Saudi tourist board; Saudi state mining company Maaden; and banking firm Banque Saudi Fransi. These strategic partnerships not only expand SPL's reach but also provide sports fans across Asia an opportunity to enjoy top-flight soccer games from their homes.
