Richest Saudi League clubs. The Saudi Pro League is one of the richest leagues in Asia thanks to substantial investment from the Saudi government and private businesses. This has reached levels never heard before in the previous season. All clubs in the top 10 operate professional youth academies and have substantial commercial partnerships and fan support that has enabled high squad valuations compared to other Middle Eastern leagues.
Al-Hilal SFC – €233.73m
Al-Hilal are based in the capital Riyadh and are the most successful club in Saudi football history, having won a record 18 league titles and 4 Asian Champions League trophies. Their squad contains some of the biggest names from Saudi Arabia and around the world. Stars like Salem Al-Dawsari, Salman Al-Faraj and Matheus Pereira have helped them dominate domestically in recent years.
Al-Hilal’s academy also consistently produces some of the best Saudi talents, who go on to represent the national team. Their youth development is second to none in the country. Off the pitch, Al-Hilal have a huge fanbase that fills their 62,000 capacity King Saud University Stadium for every home game. Commercial partnerships with companies like STC and Nissan ensure substantial revenue streams.
Al-Nassr FC – €182.06m
In second place are Riyadh rivals Al-Nassr valued at €182.06 million. Like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr have enjoyed major success over the decades, winning 9 league titles. Their squad includes Saudi internationals like Abdulelah Al-Malki and Sami Al-Najei as well as foreign stars like Vincent Aboubakar and Anderson Talisca. Al-Nassr have also performed well in Asia, winning the Champions League in 2005.
Their King Abdullah Sports City stadium holds just under 70,000 fans, and Al-Nassr can regularly rely on strong attendance numbers. Commercial revenues are boosted by sponsorship from Nahdi Medical Company. Al-Nassr also operate one of the best youth academies in the country, having produced talents like Salem Al-Dawsari. With a large fanbase in Riyadh and across Saudi Arabia, Al-Nassr are well-positioned to continue challenging Al-Hilal for domestic honors.
Al-Ahli SFC – €180.73m
In third are Al-Ahli valued at €180.73 million. Based in Jeddah, Al-Ahli have won 6 league titles and are one of the most successful clubs in the western region of the country. Their squad includes Saudi internationals like Abdullah Madu and Nasser Al-Dawsari as well as foreign stars like Giovinco. Al-Ahli draw support from across the Hijaz region and have one of the highest average attendances in the league at their 45,000 capacity Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium.
Major commercial partners include STC, who provide substantial sponsorship revenue. Al-Ahli also operate an elite youth academy that has produced talents like Salem Al-Dawsari. Under the management of former Portugal international Pedro Caixinha, Al-Ahli will look to close the gap on their Riyadh rivals and add to their trophy cabinet in the coming seasons.
Al-Ittihad Club – €114.43m
In fourth are Al-Ittihad valued at €114.43 million. Based in Jeddah like Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad have won 8 league titles. And are one of the biggest clubs in the western region. Their squad includes Saudi internationals like Abdullah Otayf as well as foreign stars like Tijani and Carlos. Al-Ittihad draw passionate support from across Jeddah and the surrounding areas.
They play at the King Abdullah Stadium with a capacity of just over 27,000. Major commercial partners include STC and Nahdi Medical Company. Al-Ittihad have also produced talents like Fahad Al-Muwallad through their youth academy. Under the management of former Morocco international Faouzi Benzarti, Al-Ittihad will look to close the gap on their rivals and add to their trophy cabinet.
Al-Shabab FC – €59.63m
In fifth are Al-Shabab valued at €59.63 million. Based in Riyadh, Al-Shabab have won 3 league titles and regularly qualify for the AFC Champions League. Their squad includes Saudi internationals like Sami Al-Najei as well as foreign stars like Michael and Giovani. Al-Shabab draw support from across Riyadh and central Saudi Arabia.
They play at the King Fahd Stadium with a capacity of 21,000. Major commercial partners include STC. Under the management of former Tunisia international Nabil Maaloul, Al-Shabab have established themselves as one of the most consistent teams in the league. They will look to add to their trophy cabinet and potentially close the gap on the Riyadh giants above them in the coming seasons.
Currently, the Saudi Pro League is dominated financially by the big three Riyadh clubs Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli who have established themselves as regional powerhouses thanks to sustained investment, success, large fanbases and commercial strength. Challengers like Al-Ittihad, Al-Shabab and Al-Ettifaq have also developed strong financial foundations.
The rest of the top 10 includes consistent mid-table teams like Al-Ettifaq valued at €54.80 million who are based in Dammam, and emerging clubs like Al-Taawoun valued at €34.13 million based in Buraidah who have risen up the table in recent years. The most valuable clubs analyzed occupy the top spots in the league table year after year. And will continue driving soccer standards higher across Saudi Arabia and Asia in the coming seasons.
