Deal sees company become official match ball supplier for Kingdom’s top flight fixtures from February Partnership includes 2024-2025 season, highlights mutual commitment to further enhance Saudi football ecosystem RIYADH: Adidas and the Saudi Pro League have unveiled a new partnership to promote football in the Kingdom and drive sustained development in the years ahead. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Commencing in February 2024, the partnership will see Adidas become the Saudi top flight’s official match ball supplier, enhancing the Roshn Saudi League’s global interest and commercial attractiveness while supporting continuous growth throughout Saudi football. “Our partnership with Adidas represents a significant next step towards elevating football in Saudi Arabia,” said Saad Allazeez, vice chairman and interim CEO of the SPL. “By aligning with such a recognized and respected global sportswear giant, the league enhances its international visibility and benefits from greater opportunities to attract talent, inspire investment, and foster growth that positively impacts football culture and the game’s national ecosystem. “This collaboration can help reshape the Kingdom’s football landscape, and we’re excited to be working closely with Adidas moving forward.” Under the partnership, RSL teams will play with the Adidas ‘Oceaunz’ ball for the remainder of the 2023-2024 season, from February to May. Adidas will then provide an exclusive match ball featuring an upgraded color palette for the 2024-2025 season, beginning in August. Bilal Fares, a general manager at Adidas, said the company is “proud to partner” with the SPL, adding: “The partnership builds on the brand’s wider ambitions to increase sports participation across the Kingdom in line with Saudi Vision 2030. “We believe that through sport, we have the power to change lives, and we’re thrilled to support the league’s strategy in enhancing the football sector, leaving a positive impact in the Kingdom.” The deal comes at an exciting time for football in Saudi Arabia, with the RSL experiencing significant increases in global viewership and match attendance following an influx of world-class players. Moreover, the partnership builds on the wider ambitions of Adidas within the Saudi football sector. Having already signed a long-term deal with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the brand has also enhanced its regional ambassador portfolio, signing some of the Kingdom’s top men’s and women’s national team players, including Farah Jefry, Saud Abdualhamed, Yasser Al-Shahrani and Mohammed Alowais.