Eight Lands Exclusive Saudi Football Broadcast Rights in Landmark Deal
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – in a significant growth for the Kingdom’s sports broadcasting sector, “eight,” a media company affiliated with the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), has secured exclusive rights to broadcast Saudi football championships through 2031. This strategic partnership underscores the growing investment in Saudi sports and media, aiming to elevate the viewing experience for fans both domestically and internationally.
Financial Backing and Key partnerships
The digital bank D360 has become a partner of “eight,” supporting the venture with 500 million Saudi Riyal. This financial backing demonstrates confidence in “eight’s” potential to transform the coverage of Saudi football. Saudi Telecom Company (stc) and the National Housing Company (NHC) have also entered into partnerships with “eight” to enhance the platform and its reach.
Did You Know? The Saudi public Investment Fund supports D360, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its financial and media sectors.
Expanding Coverage and Technological Innovation
“eight” acquired exclusive broadcasting rights for key tournaments including the saudi Professional League (Roshen), the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, the Super Cup, and the first division league in mid-June. The company launched new satellite channels and a digital application to deliver thorough coverage. The platform aims to provide viewers with an immersive experience, offering the ability to simultaneously watch up to three games, access real-time analysis, and replay key moments in high definition at 50 frames per second.
A Stellar Broadcast Team
“eight” has assembled a team of prominent commentators and analysts, including Nawaf Al-Temyat and Ubaydallah Al-Essa from Saudi Arabia, Tunisian commentator Tariq Dhiab, and Emirati broadcaster Hamid Al-Harthi. Faris Awad, Fahd al-Otaibi, and Khaled Al-Arafa also join the team, bringing a wealth of expertise to the broadcasts.
Government Support and Vision
Saudi Information Minister salman Al-Dossary emphasized that “eight” represents a national company achieving both local and regional success. He stated that the six-season contract with Saudi football championships will allow for continuous improvement in broadcast quality, aligning with the Kingdom’s sporting achievements an eight contract with Saudi football championships extends to 6 seasons, and the experience will accumulate a season after a season to provide a TV broadcast appropriate to sport achievements in the Kingdom.
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Pro Tip: The investment in “eight” aligns with saudi Arabia’s vision 2030, which prioritizes the development of the entertainment and sports sectors.
key Partnership Details
| Partner | Role | investment/Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| D360 | Financial Partner | 500 million Saudi Riyal |
| stc | Strategic Partner | Partnership through 2031 |
| NHC | Platform Support | Support for platform integration |
| SRMG | Parent Company | Provides expertise and platforms |
What impact will this investment have on the global appeal of Saudi football? And how will “eight” leverage technology to enhance the fan experience?
The Rise of Saudi Sports Media
Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a major player in the global sports landscape, attracting significant investment and attention. This surge in sports activity is driving demand for high-quality media coverage, creating opportunities for companies like “eight” to innovate and expand. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan is a key driver of this transformation,aiming to diversify the economy and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. The focus on sports is not only about entertainment but also about promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering national pride.
Frequently Asked Questions about “eight”
- what is “eight”? “eight” is a Saudi media company specializing in sports broadcasting,affiliated with the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG).
- What football leagues will “eight” broadcast? “eight” holds exclusive rights to broadcast the Saudi Professional League, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, the super Cup, and the first division league.
- How long does ”eight’s” broadcasting contract last? The contract extends through 2031, covering six seasons of Saudi football.
- Who are some of the commentators working with “eight”? The team includes Nawaf Al-Temyat, Ubaydallah Al-Essa, Tariq Dhiab, and Hamid Al-harthi, among others.
- What technological features does the “eight” platform offer? Viewers can watch up to three games simultaneously, access real-time analysis, and enjoy high-definition broadcasts at 50 frames per second.
We’re excited to see how ”eight” reshapes the landscape of Saudi football broadcasting. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on the evolving world of sports media!
