Saudi Pro League 2026-27 season kicks off today with 18 teams

The 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season commences Thursday with 18 teams participating in 34 rounds and 306 matches. The new edition, named the Roshn League, is marked by ambitious technical, organizational, and investment advancements supported by Saudi sports. Al-Nassr, the defending champions, secured the previous title with 86 points, while Al-Hilal aims to reclaim the championship after finishing as runners-up last season.

Al-Ahli enters the campaign with a recent Elite Asian Champions League title, and Al-Qadsiah continues to rise in the ranks after finishing fourth. Al-Ittihad also seeks a strong return to the title race. The league has seen a 115% increase in revenues over the past three years, with 82% of these earnings distributed to clubs, reflecting its growing investment base.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is striving to elevate the Saudi Pro League among the world's top ten leagues. This season's significance is heightened after last year's tight competition at the top, with just nine points separating the champions and the fourth-placed team. Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli all aim to defend their titles, while the return of Abha, Al-Faisaly, and Al-Dariyah to the top flight adds further intrigue.

The opening round features three matches: Abha vs. Al-Hazm, Al-Shabab vs. Al-Qadsiah, and Al-Dariyah vs. Al-Ahli. The season's matches will continue through Friday, Saturday, and conclude on Sunday.