The Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer (MLS) have emerged as highly sought-after destinations for top-calibre football players, signalling a profound shift in the footballing world. These leagues offer not only regular playing opportunities but also significant financial investments, drawing attention and attracting renowned athletes. The promise of consistent game time and the chance for skill development make them enticing alternatives to traditionally prestigious leagues in Europe. Backed by substantial government-backed investments, the Saudi Pro League is assembling competitive teams, while the MLS has experienced remarkable growth, creating a highly competitive environment going forward.
A key factor driving the popularity of the Saudi Pro League and MLS is the substantial financial resources injected into these leagues. Wealthy owners and investors have committed to raising the profile of football in America, while the Saudi Arabia interest in becoming an Arabian football hub has seen the reach for influential players with substantial salaries and lucrative contracts.
Moreover, the Saudi Pro League and MLS have actively worked to enhance their reputations and expand their reach. By organising high-profile tournaments, investing in state-of-the-art facilities, and attracting renowned talent, these leagues have gained prominence and are establishing themselves as important players in the global football landscape. How did this shift occur?
The rise of the Saudi Pro League as an enticing destination for top footballers worldwide has been fuelled by significant financial investments by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, has made substantial acquisitions, transforming the league and its clubs into financial powerhouses. Four major clubs in particular have benefited from this infusion of capital: Al Nassr and Al Hilal in Riyadh, and Al Ittihad and Al Ahli in Jeddah. These clubs have been able to make substantial transfers and secure lucrative contracts, thanks to the financial muscle provided by the PIF.
The real attraction of Saudi Pro League began with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in December last year. The SPL’s global TV audience increased significantly since Ronaldo’s arrival. The league is now being broadcast in 137 countries, up from just 40 before Ronaldo signed.
The SPL’s attendances have also increased. Ronaldo’s first match for Al Nassr was significantly higher than any of the club’s previous home games this season. His presence also helped to raise the profile of the SPL on social media. Al Nassr’s Instagram following has increased from 860,000 to almost 15 million since Ronaldo signed.
In addition to these direct impacts, Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia has also helped to raise the profile of the country itself. Saudi Arabia is now seen as a more attractive destination for foreign investment and tourism, and the SPL is seen as a more attractive destination for foreign players.
Overall, Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia has been a positive for the SPL. It helped to increase the league’s global visibility, attendances, and social media following. It has also helped to raise the profile of Saudi Arabia as a country.
The summer of 2023 witnessed a flurry of high-profile transfers, showcasing the league’s growing prominence. Al-Hilal, one of the most prominent clubs in the Saudi Pro League, made significant waves in the transfer market. They secured the services of Ruben Neves from Wolves for a fee of N55 million and acquired Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea for N23 million. The club is currently in negotiations to sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Lazio for N40 million, with a contract offer exceeding N20 million per season. Additionally, Al-Hilal made an astonishing offer of N120 million to Nicolo Zaniolo of Galatasaray. They have done this to compete with Al Ittihad, which signed Real Madrid’s striker Karim Benzema and ex-Chelsea midfield enforcer N’Golo Kante.
The presence of global icons Ronaldo and Benzema in the league has added a unique competitive edge and elevated its profile worldwide. Ronaldo completed his first season with Al Nassr, while Benzema also made the transition to Saudi Arabia for next season. Both players are earning staggering annual salaries of N200 million. Kante, the highly acclaimed midfielder, will be receiving an impressive annual salary of N100 million.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, there are several intriguing signings on the horizon. Hakim Ziyech, originally set to transfer to Al Nassr, is a notable name that fans are eagerly watching. Marcelo Brozovic has already completed a transfer from Inter Milan to Al Nassr for N18 million, further strengthening the league’s appeal. Roberto Firmino, the accomplished Liverpool forward, has been confirmed to be joining Al Ahli after the expiration of his contract with the English club.
The influx of top-tier players, combined with the financial muscle and ambitious investments by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has positioned the Saudi Pro League as an increasingly attractive and competitive destination for footballers worldwide.
With its growing prominence, the league is expected to continue making waves in the global football landscape in the coming years. Football fans will be tuning in to follow their stars and will have to get familiar with the league and opposing teams and players as well. The same will be the case in the MLS.
The Major League Soccer has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent times, propelled by various factors. Recently, a significant development that has brought even more global attention to the American football scene, is the acquisition of Lionel Messi by Inter Miami, a move that instantly elevated the league’s stature and generated immense excitement among fans worldwide. Messi’s presence in the MLS has made the league an attractive destination for top players seeking fresh challenges and opportunities.
Reportedly joining Messi in this new wave of talent are renowned players such as Sergio Busquets, the esteemed Barcelona midfielder, and Marcelo Brozovic, who have chosen to make their mark in the MLS.
These high-profile names will further enhance the league’s profile and competitiveness, drawing more attention and admiration from fans across the globe.
Another crucial aspect of the MLS transformation is its partnership with Apple. Currently, Apple holds exclusive, worldwide rights to broadcast every MLS game, making it the go-to platform for fans to catch their favorite teams in action. The MLS season pass on Apple TV features both English and Spanish broadcast crews, catering to a diverse audience. This collaboration has not only expanded the league’s reach but also ensured a high-quality viewing experience for fans.
Within Lionel Messi’s contract with Inter Miami, there exists a revenue sharing formula. This means that Messi stands to benefit from the attention he brings to the broadcasting of MLS games.
As more fans tune in to watch these matches, they become more acquainted with MLS teams, players, and the unique Eastern and Western conferences, which are structured differently from European leagues. This exposure will likely lead to increased fan engagement and a deeper connection between fans and the MLS.
The “Messi effect” was evident right from the moment the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner announced his move to the MLS. Inter Miami CF’s social media following experienced a significant surge, ticket prices skyrocketed, and upcoming fixtures sold out, all before Messi even signed a contract. Alongside these developments, revenue-sharing agreements with major brands like Adidas, for profits from shirt sales, and Apple were negotiated, with discussions centered on a cut of revenue from new subscribers to Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass streaming service for the Argentine maestro.
The MLS has entered a new era of growth and recognition, fueled by marquee signings, a strong partnership with Apple, and an increasing global fan base. The league’s transformation has brought unprecedented attention and excitement to American soccer, solidifying its place on the international stage. As the MLS continues to evolve, it is expected to attract even more top-tier players, foster greater competitiveness, and captivate fans with its unique blend of talent and entertainment.
The increased prominence of both the Saudi Pro League and MLS as attractive destinations for football stars signifies a significant shift in the global football landscape. The substantial financial investments and unwavering commitment from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and MLS stakeholders have played a crucial role in redefining the traditional power structures of European football and offering compelling alternatives for players seeking new challenges.
With the influx of world-class players into both leagues, the overall quality and competitiveness of football in Saudi Arabia and the United States are set to rise dramatically. This surge in talent will undoubtedly captivate fans, as they witness thrilling matches and extraordinary displays of skill. The increased level of competition within the leagues will generate greater excitement and engagement among domestic supporters and attract a broader international audience.
For the United States, the benefits extend beyond the growth of football within its borders. As the country prepares to co-host the next World Cup with Mexico and Canada, the enhanced status and global appeal of both the Saudi Pro League and MLS will have a positive impact on the United States’ image as a footballing nation. The presence of high-profile players in the MLS and the rise of the Saudi Pro League will draw attention to the sport’s development and progress in the United States and in Saudi Arabia, generating worldwide interest and raising the profiles of these countries in the footballing community.
The joint hosting of the World Cup provides an exceptional opportunity for the United States to showcase its capabilities as a host nation and its commitment to football’s growth and can lead to long-term benefits for American football. These benefits include expanded investment in infrastructure, the development of youth Academies and grassroots initiatives, and the potential for attracting future international tournaments and prestigious football events.
Furthermore, the presence of high-profile players in the Saudi Pro League and MLS offers a unique chance for other players in the two Leagues to learn from and compete against top talent from around the world. The exposure to different playing styles and techniques will accelerate the growth and development of American and Saudi Leagues’ players, strengthening the national teams’ performances and raising their competitiveness on the global stage.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
