Overview

• The 18-team 2025–26 season opened this week, with Al-Nassr starting away to Al Taawoun on Friday after Cristiano Ronaldo signed a new two-year contract.
• Al-Nassr retooled under returning coach Jorge Jesus, adding Kingsley Coman, João Félix and Iñigo Martínez following Jhon Durán’s departure.
• Saudi authorities completed initial club privatizations, moving Al Ansar, Al Kholood and Al Zulfi to investment owners, with top-flight Al-Kholood taken over by U.S.-based Harburg Group.
• Broadcast reach broadened for 2025–26: Fox retains U.S. rights with most matches on Fox Soccer Plus and select streams on Fubo, ESPN Africa will air three games per round, FanCode streams in India, and 10Play carries matches in Australia.
• Overseas exhibitions, highlighted by a Hong Kong showcase with strong turnout for Al-Nassr, reinforced Ronaldo’s status as the league’s primary draw as officials seek more durable club-level followings.