The Saudi Arabian soccer’s top-flight Saudi Pro League (SPL) has recently entered into a multi-year partnership with DAZN, the global sports-focused OTT service. This collaboration is set to enhance DAZN's "freemium" free-to-air content offering and deepen its relationship with Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the SPL has expanded its coverage reach across sub-Saharan Africa through a new broadcast partnership with Disney-owned ESPN Africa.
Under this two-year deal, DAZN will establish a content hub on its site dedicated to the SPL. This hub will host highlights packages and other ancillary content from around the competition for free on its site.
DAZN, chief executive, Shay Segev, said:
“On-demand content from this world-class competition adds to our growing portfolio, through our investment in premium football content, giving fans everywhere access to the most exciting leagues. Our global scale and innovative technology will deliver a high-quality, immersive entertainment experience to DAZN’s global audience of passionate football fans.”
The company has been making concerted efforts to expand offerings on its free tier since it was launched in late 2023. In April 2024, Elena Novokreshchenova was hired as chief executive of this 'freemium' service to further these efforts. This deal also signifies an important step in strengthening ties between DAZN and Saudi Arabia following an investment by the country’s Public Investment Fund sovereign wealth vehicle earlier in the year.
Expanding reach
In addition to partnering with DAZN, SPL has also broadened its coverage across sub-Saharan Africa through a new broadcast agreement with ESPN Africa. Starting from August 28th of 2025 until May 2026, ESPN Africa will broadcast three matches per gameweek throughout the campaign season.
Moreover, viewers can look forward to exclusive broadcasts of key tournaments such as the season-opening Saudi Super Cup tournament and mid-season King’s Cup knockout competition from quarter finals onwards on ESPN Africa.
Spotlighting African talent
Beyond featuring Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo, the SPL is a hotbed of talent from across the African continent. Several players from sub-Saharan Africa are part of the league’s top clubs, including Senegal’s Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr) and Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Ivory Coast’s Franck Kessie (Al-Ahli), Mali’s Abdoulaye Doucoure (Neom FC), Zambia’s Fashion Sakala (Al-Fayha), and South Africa’s Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq).
This new partnership with ESPN Africa will not only bring Saudi Pro League matches to a wider audience but also showcase these talented players on an international platform.
These strategic partnerships with DAZN and ESPN Africa are set to elevate the Saudi Pro League's global presence while providing sports fans with more access to high-quality soccer content.
