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Cristiano Ronaldo during the match between Al Nassr and Al Ain match in the AFC Champions League Elite at the Azza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain, UAE, on Sept. 15, 2026. Photo by AFP |
Under a new initiative launched by the Saudi Pro League (SPL), players can monetize their name by promoting and sharing links to the matches on social media. Should they choose to participate, high-profile stars like Ronaldo can generate significant income, The Independent reported.
The Al Nassr captain and striker is currently the most-followed individual across all digital platforms, boasting a combined audience of over one billion people.
Participants will receive a financial cut of the revenue generated when users click their custom links to view live or on-demand fixtures on an official streaming platform or approved partner channels.
This model is similar to recent approaches taken by the German Bundesliga, which formed international broadcasting partnerships with prominent content creators like Mark Goldbridge and English striker Jamie Vardy.
Saudi Pro League matches could soon be broadcast in this way across 16 international territories. These approved broadcast regions include the U.K., Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, Serbia, South Korea, Malta, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Cyprus, and Greece.
According to Saudi Pro League CEO Omar Mugharbel, the way global fans discover, access and engage with sports is rapidly evolving through digital platforms.
Moving from traditional distribution models entirely reliant on rights holders and television broadcasters, football leagues now have additional opportunities to expand their viewer base through other networks.
“By democratizing both access and distribution, we can bring live SPL football closer to international fans while giving approved content creators, our clubs and players, and other distribution partners a genuine stake in helping us reach new audiences,” he said, as quoted by ESPN. “For the SPL, this is an opportunity to innovate, learn and build new relationships with the people and platforms shaping how sport is discovered and consumed around the world.”
Ronaldo has been playing for Al Nassr since January 2023, where the 41-year-old forward earns an estimated $220 million annually, which makes him the highest-paid footballer in the world.
Last season, the Portuguese star won his first title with the Riyadh-based club.
Ronaldo is under contract with the club until June 2027 and has hinted that the current 2026-2027 season could be the last in his career.