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Cristiano Ronaldo has barely been in the Saudi Pro League for a year, and already, the growth in the Saudi Pro League is clear. As a sporting project itself, football in Saudi Arabia has all but achieved one milestone it set when they announced this ambitious project: - winning the hosting rights to the World Cup. While many believed they had their eyes set on hosting the 2030 edition, that went to the trio of Morocco, Portugal and Spain.  

Instead, the 2034 edition of the FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Saudi Arabia after they ran unopposed in the bidding process. The significance of this successful World Cup bid cannot be overstated and, besides the mind-blowing stadiums we will see over the coming years, the Saudi Pro League will receive even more attention and investments from the Public Investment Fund (PIF).  

Back to the domestic league itself, the Saudi Pro League is benefitting from the massive investments made in the transfer market when signing players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar Jr. although the latter is sidelined for the rest of the season. With aspirations of becoming a Top 10 league by 2030, the league is showing promising early signs. To secure a spot among the top 5-10 leagues globally, a delicate balance of competitiveness, fan engagement, history, and revenue is crucial. These leagues consistently produce competitive clubs, boast rich traditions, passionate fan bases, and significant financial strength. With the Saudi Pro League, the numbers show they are on the right trajectory to achieve this ambitious goal. 

● **Revenue Surge:** The league has witnessed an astonishing 650% surge in revenue within the first month of the 2023/24 season. The overarching aim is to quadruple the leagues earnings from US$120 million to a formidable US$480 million by the year 2030. 

● **Broadcasting Impact:** The league has successfully inked international broadcast agreements with 38 diverse broadcasters, resulting in huge financial gains. Last season alone, the leagues 28 international deals yielded approximately $710,000 in revenue. This season, that figure is more than double.  

● **Digital and Social Engagement:** This season has seen a remarkable 75% uptick in the number of sponsors, underscoring the league's considerable influence on digital expansion and global fan interaction.  

● **Investment in Talent:** Emerging as one of the foremost contributors to global football expenditures, the Saudi Pro League set a record by investing a staggering $957 million during the 2023 football transfer window. If rumours are to be believed, they have already sounded a warning to European countries that they will be back in the market in search for even more talents when the window reopens in January.  

● **Sponsorship Revenue:** The league now ranks as the third most profitable league in the world in terms of sponsorship revenue. 

 
On the competitive front, the Saudi Pro League has enjoyed notable success, particularly in the AFC Champions League, where Al-Hilal has played a pivotal role. Over its past four editions, Al-Hilal has reached three Asian Champions League finals, securing victory in two and experiencing defeat in the last season's final against Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds. They have continued its fine form this season, as our online sports betting community can attest to. This season, three out of the four Saudi Pro League teams taking part in the AFC Champions League are leading their respective groups: Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr. The exception is Al-Feyha, who earned their spot by winning the King Cup but didn't receive the same financial backing as the other teams. Nevertheless, they boast notable players such as the Nigerian duo Henry Onyekuru and Anthony Nwakaeme. In terms of individual performance, Al-Nassr's Talisca is leading the AFC Champions League scoring charts with 8 goals, closely followed by Aleksandar Mitrovic (Al-Hilal). We firmly believe that given the gulf in class between the Saudi Pro League teams and teams from other Asian countries, the winner of this seasons edition of the AFC Champions League will come from Saudi Arabia, and we have the best odds for this on **BetKing** , the best betting site in Nigeria.  

[Click here to bet on the Saudi Pro League games](https://m.betking.com/sports/events/prematch/football/saudi-arabia/professional-league)  

● Bet on Al Hilal to win the Saudi Pro League 

Within the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo has indeed lived up to the high expectations, emerging as the standout player. Leading in both goals (13) and assists (7), he has showed his exceptional value, justifying the investment made in him. Alongside teammates, Talisca and Sadio Mane, they have formed one of the deadliest trios in the country. Ronaldo's team, Al-Nassr, is currently second on the league table. However, there is a notable 4-point gap between them and the slightly more well-rounded Al-Hilal side, who currently occupy first position. One of the betting tips today is for the Portuguese legend to pick up the Golden Boot this season and we have high odds for that.  

● Bet on Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot 

● Bet on Al-Nassr to eventually Leapfrog Al-Hilal & Win the Saudi Pro League 

The future trajectory for the Saudi Pro League involves a multi-faceted approach, including the development of youth pathways, enhancements in infrastructure, an increased focus on social impact, and the attraction of more superstar talents. This initiative is designed for enduring success, distinguishing itself from endeavours like the Chinese Super League that experienced a relatively rapid rise and decline. Like Carlo Nohra, Chief Operating Officer of the Saudi Pro League, recently said in an interview; **“Saudi Arabia's strategy is extremely long term, and the acquisition of players is the first step. While that helps us grow on the pitch, the idea is to grow off the pitch and to commercialize as well, so the strategy takes in every element that we need to focus on getting the Saudi Pro League to where it aspires to be among the top 10 leagues in the world”.**  

Speculation has arisen regarding potential player transfers from a select Saudi Pro League teams to Newcastle, since both are owned by the PIF. While the possibility exists, any such move is expected to address on-pitch needs for Newcastle United, particularly considering recent injuries affecting 14 players, with the upcoming game against Chelsea looming. The Magpies may explore loan moves from PIF-owned Saudi teams to mitigate the impact of these injuries, with Ruben Neves a player to monitor, given his Premier League experience.  


[Click here to Bet on Newcastle and other EPL matches today](https://m.betking.com/sports/events/prematch/football/england/premier-league) 

 
As for the prospect of Saudi Pro League teams joining the UEFA Champions League, this seems unlikely due to the tournament’s European exclusivity. UEFA Champions League participation is restricted to European teams by rule, and introducing a Saudi team would likely face significant opposition. However, the idea of Saudi Pro League and European teams competing for a title holds appeal. If such a scenario is desired, a potential avenue could involve a revamp of the FIFA Club World Cup, expanding the format from 12 to 32 teams. This change might pave the way for increased global competition and including teams from diverse footballing regions like the SPL. 

So, what do you think? How soon do you think Saudi League matches start popping up on your TV screen? 

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Since the Portuguese superstar went to the Saudi Premier League, their fortunes have changed. What's the future like for the SPL since Ronaldo moved there?

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Cristiano Ronaldo And the Future of the Saudi Premier League

● Bet on Al Hilal to win the Saudi Pro League

● Bet on Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot

● Bet on Al-Nassr to eventually Leapfrog Al-Hilal & Win the Saudi Pro League