Johannesburg, 19 August 2025: ESPN Africa has officially secured the broadcast rights to the ROSHN Saudi League, bringing live coverage of one of the world’s fastest-growing football competitions to fans across Sub-Saharan Africa. Featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, Karim Benzema, João Félix, and N’Golo Kanté, the ROSHN Saudi League adds to ESPN Africa’s already extensive selection of international sporting events.

From Thursday, 28 August 2025, through to the final match round in May 2026, ESPN Africa will broadcast three matches per round, including at least one from Al Nassr and other top clubs such as Al Ahli, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad. Coverage also includes the King’s Cup quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final, as well as the Saudi Super Cup semi-finals and final.

^{JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - MARCH 11: Riyad Mahrez of Al Ahli celebrates after scoring the first goal during the AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 second leg match between Al-Ahli and Al-Rayyan at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on March 11, 2025, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)}

Star Power And African Talent

Cristiano Ronaldo is the league’s biggest draw, but the ROSHN Saudi League also showcases a wealth of global talent, including Karim Benzema, João Cancelo, João Félix, Fabinho, and N’Golo Kanté. Africa’s finest are well represented too: Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez, Kalidou Koulibaly, Frank Kessie, William Troost Ekong, Yassine Bono, Myziane Maolida, Abderrazak Hamdallah, and South Africa’s own rising star, Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq FC), ensuring an increasingly strong African footprint.

Where To Watch

Fans can tune in to the ROSHN Saudi League on:

• ESPN: DStv 218, StarTimes 248
• ESPN2: DStv 219, StarTimes 249

All times are stated in CAT / SAST, and schedules are subject to change. For more information and updates, visit ESPN Africa.

A Milestone For ESPN Africa

This acquisition reinforces ESPN Africa’s commitment to delivering premium international football to viewers. Alongside the ROSHN Saudi League, fans can also follow the Scottish Professional Football League, Turkish Süper Lig, English Football League, Dutch Eredivisie, and the National Women’s Soccer League, offering unmatched access to world-class football.

Kyle De Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa, said:

“ESPN is committed to delivering unparalleled access to a dynamic variety of leading sporting codes, players and stories, ensuring that fans across the continent are part of the global sports conversation,” De Klerk continues. “Adding the ROSHN Saudi League to our already world-class line-up complements our vibrant selection of top-tier international sports and leagues, from European football to the NBA, NFL and more.”

The deal was brokered by the ROSHN Saudi League’s international media rights partner, IMG, marking a major step in expanding the league’s international profile.

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