Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on Spanish football continues to expand through significant investments and high-profile sponsorship deals. La Liga recently signed a three-year global partnership with Riyadh Season, a Saudi entertainment initiative. La Liga president Javier Tebas said: “Over the next 3 years, we’ll work together to grow the football & entertainment industry, connecting more fans worldwide.” Riyadh Season has been a front-of-shirt sponsor for AS Roma since last season, and this new deal further strengthens Saudi ties with La Liga.
Welcome to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano!
Agreement with our main sponsor for the naming of our stadium until 2033 🏟️
➡ https://t.co/s2xlobzmSH pic.twitter.com/gmEOGmgGyV
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) October 9, 2024
Another impactful move from a Saudi company is Riyadh Air acquiring the naming rights to Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano stadium, replacing Civitas as the main sponsor. The contract, according to Spanish media, is valued between €250 and €300 million, equating from €27.7 to €33.3 million per year. Additionally, Riyadh Air is already the front-of-shirt sponsor for Atletico, contributing €40 million annualy under a four-year agreement. This means the total value of sponsorship for the club could reach €73.3 million every 12 months.
Saudi Arabia has also hosted three of the last four editions of the Spanish Super Cup, further showcasing the country’s increasing involvement in Spanish football. These partnerships underscore Saudi Arabia’s long-term commitment to Spanish football and entertainment, as well as its growing financial footprint in the sport.