• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Join us May 14 at 1 p.m. ET for Future of Sports: Leagues of Their Own Register Now

Ronaldo Boosts Saudi Pro League Exposure Across Europe

  • The Saudi Pro League agreed to a host of media deals across Europe.
  • The signing of Cristiano Ronaldo has ignited interest in the league.
Cristiano-Ronaldo
Al Nassr SC

International interest in the Saudi Pro League is spiking following the signing of soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

The league inked a deal with Portuguese broadcaster Sport TV, allowing fans in Ronaldo’s home country to watch the star, who signed with Saudi club Al-Nassr on a two-and-a-half-year deal worth a reported $200 million annually in December.

The deal follows several others across Europe, negotiated by agency IMG

  • The Saudi Pro League also signed a rights deal in Italy, where Ronaldo played from 2018-21, with Sportitalia. The network also features behind-the-scenes content on the player.
  • The league also has broadcast deals in France (RMC Sport), Greece (Cosmote), and Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (Sportdigital Fussball).

Saudi Government Auctions $2.6M Ticket for Messi-Ronaldo Matchup

The seat’s price was originally set for $260,000.
January 19, 2023

In Till the End?

Al-Nassr would like to retain Ronaldo for the remainder of his playing career and would be open to extending his contract, according to ESPN. He will be 40 when his current deal expires in June 2025.

In addition to playing for the club, the star is helping Al-Nassr develop better training and practice methods.

Ronaldo’s presence could also aid Saudi Arabia in its bid for the 2030 World Cup. The nation has a “clear path” to hosting, according to New York Times reporter Tariq Panja, which could include underwriting a new African Super League.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) raises the Lamar Hunt Trophy with tight end Travis Kelce (87) after the AFC championship NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs on Jan. 29, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

F1 Team Part-Owned by Mahomes, Kelce Makes Changes Amid Struggle

Alpine is ninth in the constructors’ championship.
May 4, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Red Bull driver Max Verstappen (1) and McLaren driver Oscar Piastri (81) during the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome.

F1 Loses Money, but Books $14.2B in Future Revenue

Executives convey optimism despite earnings issues and unresolved media rights.
May 4, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; McLaren driver Oscar Piastri (right) celebrates with the winners trophy while talking McLaren driver Lando Norris (left) after winning the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome.

F1’s Miami Grand Prix Sees Ratings Slide, Yet Remains a Top U.S...

An average of 2.1 million viewers watched McLaren’s 1–2 finish Sunday.

Featured Today

Fat Perez reacts after hitting his shot on the 16th tee during the WHOOP Shot at Glory on the 16th hole at TPC in Scottsdale on Feb. 5, 2025.

Golf Influencers Are the New Currency for PGA Tour and LIV

YouTube golf is big business. The rival tours are staging formal events.
Feb 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson talks with New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), forward Mikal Bridges (25), and guard Josh Hart (3) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden.
May 6, 2025

Before the Villanova Knicks, There Were the Kentucky Celtics

Three decades ago, Boston tried its own version of the college-teammate experiment.
Mar 22, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Joao Fonseca (BRZ) reacts after winning a point against Ugo Humbert (FRA)(not pictured) on day five of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 6, 2025

João Fonseca Is a Teen Tennis Phenom. His Parents Are Overseeing His..

The Brazilian is forgoing a management team in favor of his parents.
Athlos
May 4, 2025

Nike Wants to Pull Off the First Women’s Sub-4:00 Mile

Experts speak on whether Nike’s “moonshot” is realistic or a gimmick.

Caitlin Clark Is Still Must-See TV, Even in the WNBA Preseason

Indiana will have 41 regular-season games nationally televised or streamed.
May 4, 2025

Kentucky Derby Sets Ratings, Betting Records Despite Attendance Dip

The crowd of 147,406 at Churchill Downs was down 6% from last year.
May 5, 2025

NBA Misses a Dynasty Duel—but Gains a Star-Making Moment

The Warriors defeated the Rockets in seven games.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Portfolio Players is our bi-weekly spotlight on the athletes and investors reshaping the business of sports. This week, venture capitalist Kai Cunningham unpacks why athletes land top deals and how the usual investing rules don’t always apply.
Fubo-TV
May 2, 2025

Fubo Loses Subscribers; Focused on Disney Deal Despite Antitrust Probe

The streaming company plans to debut its planned sports bundle this fall.
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; ESPN president John Skipper during the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium.
exclusive
May 2, 2025

Former ESPN President John Skipper Leaving Meadowlark Media

Skipper co-founded the company with host Dan Le Batard in 2021.
May 1, 2025

Formula One Courts Bidders As ESPN Exclusivity Laps Out

The motorsports property is in the final year of its ESPN deal.
May 1, 2025

How Larry Collmus Became the Longest-Running Kentucky Derby Caller

Collmus will call his 15th straight Derby on NBC.