ESPN Africa announces the acquisition of broadcast rights to Roshn Saudi League
Football fans across sub-Saharan Africa will soon have front-row access to one of the world’s fastest-growing football competitions, as ESPN Africa announces the acquisition of broadcast rights to the Roshn Saudi League. The league, home to global stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, Karim Benzema, and Riyad Mahrez, joins ESPN’s robust international football lineup, enhancing its commitment to delivering premium sports content across the continent.
Beginning Thursday, August 28, 2025, and running through to May 2026, ESPN Africa will broadcast three matches per round from the Roshn Saudi League, including guaranteed coverage of Al Nassr fixtures, plus games featuring top-tier clubs such as Al Hilal, Al Ahly, and Al Ittihad.
In addition to regular league coverage, ESPN Africa will also showcase key domestic cup competitions, including the King’s Cup (quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final) and the Saudi Super Cup (semi-finals and final).
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Expanding the league’s global reach
“Partnering with ESPN Africa marks another important step in expanding the global footprint of the Roshn Saudi League,” said Wael Al Fayez, Chief Commercial Officer of the Saudi Pro League. “This region is a vital market for us, both commercially and culturally. Through this partnership, we’re ensuring millions of African fans can engage more deeply with our competition, our clubs, and our world-class players.”
Star power on display
While Cristiano Ronaldo remains the league’s headline attraction, the Roshn Saudi League boasts a growing roster of global football icons, including:
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Karim Benzema
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N’Golo Kanté
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João Cancelo
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João Félix
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Fabinho
Sadio Mané, one of Africa’s most celebrated football exports, continues to shine at Al Nassr alongside Ronaldo, making the league a compelling draw for fans across the continent.
Spotlight on African talent
The Roshn Saudi League has become a premier destination for African footballers from across the continent. Notable names currently competing include:
· Sadio Mané (Al Nassr, Senegal)
· Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli, Algeria)
· Houssem Aouar (Al Ittihad, Algeria)
· Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal, Senegal)
· Frank Kessie (Al Ahli, Ivory Coast)
· William Troost-Ekong (Al Kholood, Nigeria)
· Yassine Bono (Al Hilal, Morocco)
· Myziane Maolida (Al Kholood, Comoros)
· Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al Shabab, Morocco)
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In a boost for Southern African representation, South Africa’s Mohau Nkota, formerly with Orlando Pirates, has signed with Al Ettifaq FC, signaling a new chapter in his career and further strengthening the African connection within the league.
A milestone for ESPN Africa
The addition of the Roshn Saudi League further cements ESPN Africa’s position as a premier destination for top-tier global football. The channel already holds rights to several major leagues, including:
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Scottish Professional Football League
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Turkish Süper Lig
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English Football League
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Dutch Eredivisie
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National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
“ESPN is committed to delivering unmatched access to the world’s leading sports leagues, players, and stories,” said Kyle de Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa. “Adding the Roshn Saudi League enhances our already vibrant portfolio of international football and connects African viewers to even more world-class action.”
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The rights agreement was facilitated by IMG, the Saudi League’s international media rights partner.
With this new partnership, ESPN Africa continues to raise the bar for football broadcasting, bringing fans closer to the players and competitions shaping the global game.
Source: https://www.bizcommunity.com/
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