Fans can watch Saudi Pro League games for £8.99 a month

Demand to watch games in Saudi Arabia is expected to be huge after a series of high-profile players have moved to the Middle Eastern country for massive money.

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo became the poster boy of the Saudi Pro League in December when he signed an eye-watering £173 million-a-year deal with Al Nassr.

Ronaldo spoke of his desire to improve football in Saudi and encouraged other players to join him.

And in recent times the SPL have been doing their very best to take over football, luring a slew of big names and doing the best impression of what the Chinese Super League did a few years back.

Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and Ruben Neves are just some of the stars to have signed for Saudi sides, with Roberto Firmino and Marcelo Brozovic also agreeing deals.

There will be eyes than ever on the Saudi top flight and it's no surprise to learn that the Saudi Pro League has told IMG, the Premier League's international production partner, to secure broadcast deals for the next two seasons.

They were able to do put together some short-term arrangements in January after Ronaldo arrived, with Sky Sports streaming a number of Al Nassr fixtures in the United Kingdom.

Image: Alamy

But because of new additions for the likes of Al Ittihad, Al Hilal and Al Ahli, there will be an increased appetite to watch the Saudi top tier.

In the United States, selected games are slated to be available on ESPN, while more locally Saudi Sports Company (SSC) hold the right for Saudi Pro League games, and competitions such as the Saudi Super Cup and King's Cup.

But there is also a subscription service from Shahid, who have exclusive global streaming rights.

It's £8.99 for the month or £76.99 yearly - which works out slightly cheaper - and match replays are included as well as a plethora of TV shows.

Image: Alamy

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi is expected to earn a share of revenue generated from new subscribers to Apple's MLS Season Pass once his move to Inter Miami is finalised.

The league has a mammoth $2.5 billion,10-year agreement with Apple, who show every game and charge £14.99 per month or £99 for the year.

Topics: Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, NGolo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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