London-based IMG Media, a global sports and talent management group, has helped the Saudi Pro League (SPL), Saudi Arabia's premier league contest, reach broadcast deals with multiple networks and streaming platforms that would screen the tournament across various parts of the globe.
The agreements have been established across more than 130 regions, with standout arrangements like the "landmark" pact with DAZN, covering a range of territories such as Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, and the UK. Other noteworthy partnerships include Sport TV in Portugal, La 7 in Italy, Marca.com in Spain, and Canal+ in France. With the commencement of the Saudi Pro League’s new season, IMG will also take charge of generating the live global feed, complete with captivating graphics and expert English commentary.
Here is the comprehensive list of deals the Saudi Pro League reached with broadcasters, aided by IMG Media, along with the regions covered by the broadcasters:
- Canal+ (France and French overseas territories)
- DAZN (UK, Canada, Belgium, Austria, Germany)
- Cosmote (Greece)
- La7 (Italy)
- Marca.com (Spain)
- Sport TV (Portugal)
- Supersport (Kosovo and Albania)
- Prima Sports (Romania)
- Sony Network (India)
- Sporty TV (Nigeria and Ghana)
- SPO TV (Korea, South East Asia, and Japan)
- Network Ten (Australia)
The new season of the Saudi Pro League kicks off this Friday, with the season opener match between Al-Ahli Saudi and Al-Hazm. Fans await this season with excitement as some of football's greatest players are lining up to make their debut for their new Saudi clubs. The attention towards the SPL started with Ronaldo's transfer to Al-Nassr. Various A-list players have since joined different clubs that compete in the league, including Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, Ruben Neves, Sergei Milinkovic-Savic, etc.
IMG Media brokering broadcast deals for the Saudi Pro League is also an indicator of the far-reaching ambitions of the League’s organizers to increase eyeballs and popularity for the league. By acquiring A-list players and landing broadcast deals spanning more than 100 territories, the Saudi football establishment also looks to challenge the hegemony of European leagues and clubs in a heavily skewed playing field.
