Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Sports Desk • Soccer

Saudi Pro League

The Saudi Pro League (SPL), officially known as the Roshn Saudi League for sponsorship reasons, is the top tier of professional men’s association football in Saudi Arabia.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) is the top tier of professional men's football in Saudi Arabia. It is also known as the Roshn Saudi League for sponsorship reasons.

History

The modern Saudi Pro League traces its origins to league competition that began in 1976. It was rebranded as the Saudi Pro League in 2008, becoming the premier football division in the country.

League format

The league features 18 clubs playing a double round-robin schedule (home and away). Teams earn three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. The club with the most points at season's end wins the title.

Promotion and relegation

At the end of each season, the bottom three clubs are relegated to the Saudi First Division League. In their place, the top three clubs from that division are promoted to the SPL.

In short

  • Premier men's football competition in Saudi Arabia.
  • Currently 18 clubs compete in a double round-robin season.
  • Al-Hilal is the most successful club in league history.
  • Bottom three teams are relegated; top three from lower division promoted.
Canadian angle

Canadian readers may recognize the Saudi Pro League through international media coverage, particularly since the league has attracted globally known players and coaches in recent years.

Quick questions

What is the Saudi Pro League?
It is Saudi Arabia’s top-tier professional men’s football league, also known as the Roshn Saudi League.
How many teams are in the league?
The league currently has 18 clubs.
When does the season run?
The season usually runs from late August to May.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Pro_League
    Supports: Top-tier league, SPL naming, governance by Saudi Arabian Football Federation
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saudi-Pro-League
    Supports: League level, established in 2008 rebrand, 18 clubs, season timing, promotion/relegation, Al-Hilal success
  3. Saudi Pro League — https://www.spl.com.sa/en/about
    Supports: Official league description and AFC recognition
  4. Goal — https://www.goal.com/en-sa/saudi-pro-league/ea0h6cf3bhl698hkxhpulh2zz
    Supports: Current team count
  5. BBC Newsround — https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/66256334
    Supports: 18 clubs, season format, major clubs
  6. FOX Sports — https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/saudi-pro-league-everything-you-should-know-for-2023-24-season
    Supports: League formation year, current club count, season timing, promotion/relegation