Saudi Pro League is slowly transforming into a powerhouse of world football thanks to the ambitions of a nation full of talented players and the power to attract top footballers from all around the world. The league has seen a steep rise in popularity and is not only reshaping the football heritage in Saudi but is also making its mark on the global stage.
The League has already made its intentions clear with the signings of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane and now looks to establish itself as one of the best football leagues in the world.
Let us look at the 3 ways by which the Saudi Pro League can become a bigger threat to Europe.
Sign Young Players from South America & Europe
After bringing many established players to Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Pro League has set its sights on signing young talents from South America and Europe. This will be a significant step up in the development of the cash-rich league as it aims to nurture the new generation of footballers.
Signing young South American players can also be a strategic move as they usually come from humble backgrounds. The money on offer from Saudi clubs can encourage these players to join the league at a very young age which would be a huge boost for the Saudi Pro League.
Signing established players or players closing in on retirement is usually a short-term investment but signing youngsters will be an investment for the future for the Saudi clubs.
Better TV Deal For Wide Coverage of Matches and Highlights
One of the most important traits of a top football league is its appeal and reach to the global audience. With Saudi Pro-League’s marquee signings in the past few years, there is a strong demand for league matches to be broadcast to a wider audience beyond the Middle East. This will showcase the league’s mixture of local and international talent to a wider audience and help it establish itself among the top football leagues in the world.
Along with the live coverage, the expert analysis and behind-the-scenes content will also help the league to engage football enthusiasts around the world and become one of the premier football leagues in the world.
SPL can follow in the footsteps of the Premier League which gained popularity thanks to its lucrative TV deals and broad coverage helping it to become one of the most watched football leagues in the world. Initially signing a deal with Sky Sports, it later agreed to deals to broadcast games in Asia, Africa, North America, and Latin America making its matches accessible to a global audience and increasing its appeal.
Building an Infrastructure for the Future
Along with the signing of household names, the Saudi Pro League needs to emphasize the local talents that are present in abundance in the nation. Establishing academies along with integrating the latest coaching techniques can be a stepping stone for the upcoming generation of footballers.
Building a viable infrastructure will also help to develop a connection with the community and the emphasis must be given to football from the grassroots level which will ensure that a vibrant football culture is maintained from the base level.
Saudi Arabia is set to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034 which will lead to significant upgradation in infrastructure. The nation plans to build new stadiums and upgrade existing ones which will play a crucial role in the growth and advancement of the sport within the country.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
