Thmanyah wins exclusive Mideast rights to Saudi football leagues
Thmanyah Publishing and Distribution, the media subsidiary of Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), has acquired exclusive broadcast rights for the Saudi Pro League (SPL) across the Middle East, marking a significant expansion into sports broadcasting for the company. The landmark deal includes not only the SPL but also extends to the King Cup, the Saudi Super Cup and the First Division League. The agreement will run from the 2025-26 season through 2030-31.
Under the new rights arrangement, Thmanyah will offer two modes of coverage: select matches will be broadcast free-to-air via new satellite channels, while premium content and enhanced viewing experiences will be available through subscription-based digital platforms. The first competition under the new deal will be the Saudi Super Cup, set to be held in Hong Kong in August, featuring top clubs Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Qadsiah.
Thmanyah's entry into sports broadcasting marks a notable shift for the company, which has traditionally focused on producing Arabic-language digital content such as documentaries, newsletters, articles and podcasts aimed at documenting contemporary Arab society. Despite its lack of experience in live sports coverage, Thmanyah was selected following a competitive bidding process. According to the Saudi Pro League, First Division League, and the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF), the decision was based on Thmanyah's technical proposal, content and distribution strategy, and alignment with the league's broader goals to expand its media footprint and achieve financial sustainability.
The SPL's media rights in the region have shifted hands several times over the last decade. From 2014-15 to 2023-24, MBC held the rights before the agreement was terminated early by Saudi Arabia's sports ministry. Saudi Telecom Company took over for a contract intended to last until 2027-28, but that deal also ended prematurely. It was succeeded by Saudi Sports Company (SSC), which has held the domestic broadcast rights since the 2022-23 season and will continue through 2024-25. SSC coverage is currently accessible via its television network and digital platforms including Shahid and GBOX.
Meanwhile, international distribution has been managed by IMG, which holds the global broadcast rights for the SPL for the last two seasons and is committed to production services through the 2028-29 season. SPL's international visibility has expanded in recent years through deals with major broadcasters such as Canal Plus in France, DAZN in multiple territories, Fox in the US and the Caribbean, Okko in Russia, Tencent in China, and SportyTV in Nigeria and Ghana.
Thmanyah's foray into sports broadcasting represents both a strategic shift and a bold commitment to elevating Saudi football's reach across the region, positioning the company at the forefront of the Kingdom's evolving sports media landscape.
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