Sports Powerhouse IMG Forges Broadcast Production Partnership With Saudi Soccer Entities

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Global sports management and production powerhouse IMG has inked a five-year production partnership with the Saudi Pro League and Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

The deal covers the main tournaments in the kingdom’s fast-growing soccer league which boasts global soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, among other household names.

Starting from the 2024-25 season, IMG will take on the role of broadcast producer on top of being distributor outside the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for the Roshn Saudi League, King’s Cup and Saudi Super Cup in tandem with their partners.

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“The strategic collaboration will ensure best-in-class production quality, innovation and consistency across all RSL, Saudi Super Cup and King’s Cup matches,” a statement said.

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Established in 2008, the 18-club Saudi Pro League in 2023 launched its so-called “transformation strategy” in early 2023 in line with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy away from oil. The strategy focuses on “nurturing young talent, securing leading international footballers and improving club governance while driving competitiveness on and off the pitch,” according to an IMG statement.

Global soccer governing body FIFA has said soccer clubs from the kingdom last year were among the five biggest spenders in the international players’ transfer market, shelling out $970 million in 2023 compared to $50.4 million in 2022.

“Our new production partnership marks a significant step forward for the SPL as we continue our transformation and growth on and off the pitch,” Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League, said in a statement.

Commented Barney Francis, EVP of studios at IMG: “Saudi Pro League is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing leagues in global football, with fans around the world now tuning in to watch thrilling action between some of the game’s biggest stars. We are excited to help SPL take its content offering and storytelling to the next level for viewers and broadcasters, and to provide opportunities for local broadcast and production talent to be part of the journey.”

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