Every match from the new league, which kicks off on Friday night, is set to be shown – although neither of the big broadcasters, Sky and TNT, made a bid for rights
The Saudi Pro League has agreed a UK TV deal with DAZN that will see every game in the upstart competition streamed live – four days before the new season kicks off.
In June the SPL enlisted IMG to source international broadcast contracts but it had proven a hard sell in the UK despite the attraction of star names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
But, as first reported by the Mail, DAZN has now sealed an agreement to show the entire campaign, including Ronaldo’s Al Nassr lining up against Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson’s Al Ettifiaq.
Sky Sports showed games involving Ronaldo’s Al Nassr on their YouTube channel last season but the viewership figures were considered unimpressive. Discussions had taken place over Sky potentially taking the rights this season again but no formal offer was made.