Canal+ secures Saudi Pro League rights in France and Africa

Canal+ has picked up the broadcasting rights of the Saudi Pro League, the Saudi Arabian football league in France and across Africa, for the next two seasons.

The 2023/2024 season kicks off on Friday, August 11, with the 18 clubs competing against each other in home and away matches through to May 2024.

The French media giant will broadcast two matches per week in the French regions and territories in Africa.

The games will air each week on Canal+ sport channels, myCanal as well as coverage on Canal+’s social networks.

The football league has received increasing attention, following the US$200m deal Cristiano Ronaldo to play football in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo made his debut for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in January. Ahead of his appearance, Endeavour-owned sports and entertainment firm IMG also secured a run of TV deals of the tournament.

The Saudi Arabian league joins Canal+ extensive football portfolio which includes UEFA Champions League, the Premier League, D1 Arkema and  Ligue 1.

Thomas Sénécal, director of sports, Canal+ Group said, “We’re delighted to be able to offer this brand new soccer league exclusively to CANAL+ subscribers. The Saudi Pro League brings together a line-up of prestigious players that we’ll be able to see every week on our channels and in our programs such as Canal Football Club. We’re looking forward to following some of the world’s biggest stars: golden ball winners Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, world champion N’Golo Kanté and Sadio Mané in this fast-developing league.”