The assertions made by Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo regarding the quality of the Saudi Pro League compared to the French Ligue 1 appear to be met with skepticism, as recent data suggests otherwise.
Ronaldo’s move, not enough to boost viewership
Despite the presence of star players like Ronaldo, the Saudi Pro League continues to struggle in terms of attracting viewership, lagging behind even lower-tier competitions in other countries.
According to recent reports from L’Équipe, there is a significant contrast in viewership between the Saudi Pro League and other football leagues. A mid-table clash in the third division of French football attracted six times more viewers than one of the SPL’s top fixtures, indicating the challenges faced by the Saudi League in engaging a global audience.
Challenges in Audience Engagement
Despite the anticipation surrounding matches featuring renowned players such as Kalidou Koulibaly and N’Golo Kanté, the SPL has failed to capture the attention of viewers on a substantial scale. For instance, a recent top-of-the-table clash between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad reportedly garnered only 5000 viewers, raising concerns about the league’s popularity.
Efforts to obtain accurate viewership data from broadcasters have been unsuccessful, with no broadcaster across 130 territories willing to disclose audience figures. Even Canal+, one of the SPL’s broadcasting partners, refrained from providing an assessment of its two-season deal, indicating underlying challenges with audience engagement.
Addressing Market Challenges
Critics argue that the SPL’s failure to differentiate itself from established European leagues has contributed to its struggles in attracting viewers. Cyril Linette, former sports director for Canal+, emphasizes the importance of creating unique selling points to stand out in a competitive market.
Despite the star power of players like Cristiano Ronaldo and efforts to attract global attention, stadium attendance remains underwhelming across the SPL. Only a few teams, such as Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, have managed to maintain high attendance figures, while many stadiums operate at less than full capacity.
Future Outlook
As the SPL grapples with challenges related to viewership and market penetration, doubts persist about its ability to break into European markets effectively. Without significant differentiation and innovation, the league may continue to struggle to compete with established football powerhouses.
In conclusion, despite the star power of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, the Saudi Pro League faces significant challenges in terms of viewership and market recognition. Addressing underlying issues and implementing strategies for differentiation will be crucial in determining its long-term success in the competitive landscape of international football.
