Riyadh Season are set to become La Liga’s official sponsor for the next three years after agreeing a deal. With more details to be released, read on to find out what this could mean for the league.
Saudi’s Riyadh Season to Become ‘Official Sponsors’ of La Liga
Spain and Saudi Arabia Shake Hands
La Liga President Javier Tebas has signed a three-year deal with Riyadh Season to become its official sponsor. Alongside Tebas, David Villa (a La Liga ambassador) was also present as well as Faisal Bafarat, the CEO of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia.
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Riyadh Season is the name given to the season in which Saudi Arabia attempts to host as many worldwide sporting, cultural and entertainment events. A press release from La Liga stated the partnership represents “a new milestone in Riyadh Season’s journey toward global recognition”.
In the same statement, President Tebas highlighted “the immense passion that Saudi football fans have for the Spanish league”. It is unclear yet if Riyadh Season will take the league’s name rights away from EA Sports, the current sponsor.
La Liga to be Played in Saudi Arabia?
With all the information collected from the announcement, it seems La Liga is closer than ever to having games played abroad. Having recently had a proposed match to be played in America denied by the authorities, this deal could pave the way for one or more games per season to head to the Middle East.
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This wouldn’t be the first domestic Spanish competition to be played in Saudi Arabia; the Spanish Super Cup has been played in Saudia Arabia since 2020. That is part of a deal made between the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) – none of whom are involved in this deal.
The Latest Controversial Deal
This is the second deal seen this week between Saudi Arabia and Spanish football. Atlético Madrid announced their stadium will be renamed as the “Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano”.
It is no secret that La Liga, along with other European leagues, needs the cash. This deal comes just a couple of weeks after it was announced that Tebas had signed a deal allowing some La Liga fixtures to be broadcast on free-to-air Chinese television.
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With the Premier League dominating the revenue charts year after year, other leagues are having to look for alternative ways to keep their product financially competitive to prevent all of the world’s footballing resources from draining into England.
However, fans back on the Iberian Peninsula are feeling left behind and are noticing those who run their league turn their attention away from the interests of domestic fans in favour of a more global audience.
