Valuations of Saudi football clubs are being negotiated at lower levels as investors push for discounts, citing regional risk, governance uncertainty, and operating losses. The shift comes as the Kingdom pushes ahead with its wider club privatization drive.
In one of the most notable deals, Kingdom Holding Company has agreed to acquire a 70% stake in Al-Hilal Club Company at an enterprise value of about SAR 1.4 billion, subject to approvals and other conditions. The transaction implies an approximate value of SAR 2 billion for 100% of the club.
Interest in the sector remains strong. More than 40 local and international investors have formally expressed interest in Saudi football-club investments. Eleven club transactions have reportedly closed, with two more in progress. Five clubs offered in the latest privatization phase are Al-Riyadh, Abha, Al-Fateh, Al-Tai, and Al-Shoulla.
Investors submit expressions of interest and qualification documents through the process overseen by the Ministry of Sport and the National Center for Privatization. A typical club sale is estimated to take eight to ten months to complete.
Why it matters
For residents and fans, the privatization push could reshape how the country's biggest clubs are funded and run, potentially improving facilities, competition, and the overall matchday experience. No official valuation or final sale price has been publicly disclosed for Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, Al-Riyadh, Abha, Al-Fateh, Al-Tai, or Al-Shoulla, so figures beyond confirmed deals remain under negotiation.
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