The Saudi Pro League (SPL) and Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) have announced a new five-year production partnership with IMG, a global sports, events, and representation company, for the Roshn Saudi League (RSL), King’s Cup, and Saudi Super Cup, starting from the 2024-25 season.
U.S. headquartered global sports and media marketing company IMG was already partnered with the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) to distribute its media rights internationally for the 2023-2024 and 2024-25 seasons.
According to IMG, last season, “RSL matches were aired in more than 160 countries on more than 40 global platforms across six continents. Matches were available on DAZN in multiple territories including Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, and the UK, as well as on major European broadcasters such as Canal+ (France), Sport TV (Portugal), La 7 (Italy), Marca.com (Spain), and Cosmote (Greece), among others. For the MENA region, SSC holds the linear TV rights, and the digital rights are managed through Shahid.”
IMG has now signed a five-year production partnership with the Saudi Pro League and Saudi Arabian Football Federation that commits it to take on the role of broadcast producer on top of being distributor outside the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for the Roshn Saudi League, King’s Cup and Saudi Super Cup.
Variety reports that Barney Francis, EVP of studios at IMG commented, “Saudi Pro League is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing leagues in global football, with fans around the world now tuning in to watch thrilling action between some of the game’s biggest stars. We are excited to help SPL take its content offering and storytelling to the next level for viewers and broadcasters, and to provide opportunities for local broadcast and production talent to be part of the journey.”
“This season will mark a significant shift for the SPL and SAFF, as IMG takes on the role of broadcast producer for the RSL, King’s Cup, and Saudi Super Cup, in partnership with the SPL and SAFF, combining the expertise of local partners with IMG’s world-class production experience and capabilities. The strategic collaboration will ensure best-in-class production quality, innovation and consistency across all RSL, Saudi Super Cup, and King’s Cup matches.”
“IMG produces content for some of the world’s biggest leagues, including Premier League, Major League Soccer for Apple TV, CBS’ UEFA Champions League and Europa League coverage, UFC, DP World Tour, The Ryder Cup, and The Open Championship. The company’s state-of-the-art studio facilities at Stockley Park in London are among Europe’s best-connected broadcast centres, powered by 100% renewable energy and broadcasting over 35,000 hours of content annually.”
