Saudi Pro League takes live sports rights beyond traditional broadcasters with Recast

The model has initially launched across 16 international markets - the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, Serbia, South Korea, Malta, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Cyprus and Greece. The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has introduced a new international distribution model for the Roshn Saudi League (RSL), allowing approved players, clubs, content creators and third-party platforms to participate directly in the distribution and monetisation of live matches.

Powered by sports streaming and monetisation platform Recast, the initiative represents a new layer in the SPL's international media strategy, combining direct-to-consumer access with a broader network of digital distribution partners. The model has initially launched across 16 international markets - the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, Serbia, South Korea, Malta, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Cyprus and Greece.

Fans in these markets can access live RSL matches through SPL-owned channels on a pay-per-view basis. Alternatively, brands can sponsor free access in return for an agreed consumer action, such as registration or engagement with the sponsoring brand.

The model also enables approved players and content creators to promote individual matches or match packages through their own platforms and communities, with participants receiving a share of the revenue generated through their distribution activity. Selected third-party publishers and platforms can also form part of the wider distribution network.

Recast provides the technology underpinning the model, including transaction tracking, attribution and revenue-sharing infrastructure. Omar Mugharbel, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Pro League, said,"The way people discover, consume and engage with sport is changing rapidly.

Fans are increasingly connected to competitions, clubs and players through digital platforms and the creators and communities they trust. "For generations, sports distribution has largely been a relationship between rights holders and broadcasters.

Developments in technology and the growth of the creator economy give us an opportunity to add another dimension to that relationship - one in which a broader network of partners can help connect our football with fans and participate in that growth. " Andy Meikle, Founder & CEO of Recast,added,"In 2013, I partnered with Cristiano Ronaldo as athlete-led influencer marketing was beginning to emerge.

The natural evolution now is for players and creators not simply to promote content, but to distribute it directly to their fans and followers and participate in the revenue they generate. "More organisations are looking to creators and influencers to reach audiences, but that activity often remains a marketing cost, without a direct commercial model attached to content access.

Recast connects that reach to revenue, enabling each participant to earn a share of the value they generate. "The Saudi Pro League is leading that shift, turning approved players, clubs, creators and publishers into a coordinated distribution network while retaining control of its rights and commercial terms.