The 2026-2027 season of the Roshn Saudi League (SPL) starts Thursday featuring 18 teams. Each team will play 34 matches, totaling 306 games for the season.
According to SPA, the competition includes title holder Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, AFC Elite Champions League winner Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, and last season’s fourth-place finisher Al Qadsiah. The league also welcomes three promoted clubs: second division champion Abha, Al Faisaly, and Diriyah.
League President Omar Mugharbel reported a 115% increase in revenues over the last three years, with 82% of these funds redistributed to clubs. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) aims to place the competition among the top 10 leagues globally.
The previous season ended with a narrow margin, as only 9 points separated leader Al-Nassr, who finished with 86 points, from fourth-place Al Qadsiah, with the title decided on the final matchday.
How many teams and matches are scheduled for the 2026-2027 SPL season? The Roshn Saudi League will feature 18 teams for the 2026-2027 season. Each of these teams is scheduled to play 34 matches, which results in a total of 306 matches throughout the competition.
Which clubs have been promoted to the elite league this season? Three clubs have returned to the elite level for the new season. These include Abha, who entered as the second division champion, as well as Al Faisaly and Diriyah, both of whom finished in the top positions of the second-level championship.
What are the recent financial trends reported by the SPL president? President Omar Mugharbel stated that league revenues grew by 115% over the past three years. From these increased resources, 82% of the revenues are redistributed back to the clubs.