• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Neymar’s $300M Move Displays Saudi Pro League’s Impact

  • Neymar joins Ballon d'Or winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in Saudi Arabia.
  • The Saudi Pro League just secured a U.S. media rights deal with Fox Sports.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Saudi Pro League continues to make its impact felt across international soccer just one week into its new season.

Neymar is joining the upstart league in a deal that will cost nearly $300 million, including a $98.5 million transfer fee. Al-Hilal lured the Brazilian superstar from Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain with an $88 million annual salary for the next two seasons.

If it wasn’t already clear, the SPL has no plans to stop courting the sport’s top players. Cristiano Ronaldo has made the biggest headlines thanks to a contract valued at more than $200 million with commercial incentives. He was followed by former Real Madrid teammate and 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, who is reportedly making more than $100 million per year.

While the SPL couldn’t lure Kylian Mbappe for even just one year — despite being willing to shell out at least $1 billion in total — Neymar is only 31, which still represents a coup for the Saudi League, as he is much younger than Ronaldo (38) and Benzema (35).

Expanding Media Reach

Some SPL coverage has been broadcast via Fox Sports’ digital channels since Friday. The network has signed on as the league’s English- and Spanish-language media rights partner in the U.S. and could reportedly show several games per week on its FS2 cable channel. 

While it’s unclear how much the rights are costing Fox, any media exposure from a major American company is a big step up for a league with little previous clout in international soccer.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Amazon’s Upfront: What It Reveals About the Company’s Sports Plans

The online retail and streaming giant announces plans for a new set of sports films.

Architect of LIV Golf Deal Departs the PGA Tour. What Happens Next?

PGA Tour policy board member Jimmy Dunne has resigned.
Sponsored

Major League Rugby’s Vision for American Rugby

How Major League Rugby is leading the Rugby renaissance in the U.S.

The In-Season Tournament Trend: NASCAR Latest League to Create One

The 2025 schedule will feature a five-race knockout bracket.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Paramount Sale at Major Fork in the Road

0:00

Featured Today

The WNBA Was Forged in Houston. Why Won’t It Go Back There?

Houston’s a perfect fit for expansion. The league isn’t considering it yet.
May 9, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) stands with the team during the national anthem on Thursday, May 9, 2024, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
May 12, 2024

‘Perfect Storm’: The Rise of Local WNBA Broadcast Pacts

With national attention reaching new heights, regional coverage could dictate the future.
Mar 29, 2023; New York, New York, USA; American actors and comedians Chris Rock (left) and Ben Stiller sit court side during the third quarter between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden.
May 11, 2024

The Haves and Have-Nots: How the Knicks’ Celebrity Row Works

Unwritten rules, an expectation of quid pro quo, and nothing is free.
May 6, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Red Bull driver Max Verstappen (1) of the Netherlands walks through the garage area following qualifying for the Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome.
May 5, 2024

Max Verstappen Is Unstoppable. Is That Hurting F1 With New American Fans?

Formula One could be facing an inevitable plateau in the United States.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Adidas
Multiple - USA Careers
FanDuel
Multiple - USA Careers
Kendall Coyne Schofield

PWHL Playoffs Experience Surge in Attendance. Is Expansion Coming?

The first five games of the postseason drew nearly 40,000.
May 14, 2024

WNBA’s Transition to Charter Flights Has Bumpy Takeoff

The league announced a week ago it would start chartering flights for the 2024 season.
May 14, 2024

Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Debut Marks the Start of a New Era for Women’s Basketball

A Clark-fueled business boom comes at the perfect time for the WNBA.
Sponsored

Major League Rugby’s Vision for American Rugby

How Major League Rugby is leading the Rugby renaissance in the U.S.
May 13, 2024

Rising Star Power and Expansion: The WNBA’s Time to Shine Is Finally Here

Mainstream interest in Clark is putting an even bigger spotlight on the WNBA.
May 13, 2024

The Caitlin Clark Effect Has Hit the WNBA: Will Its Stars Capitalize?

The WNBA will need to extend Clark’s impact to its other biggest stars.
May 13, 2024

The WNBA’s Ticket Market Is Booming, but Challenges Loom

A full-fledged ticket resale market is now developing around the league.
May 13, 2024

Pistons Are Latest Terrible Team to Get Weak Draft Reward

Detroit will pick fifth for the third year in a row.