Saudi Women’s Premier League: what you need to know ahead of the start of second season

Excitement is building in Saudi Arabia ahead of this weekend’s opening round of the new Saudi Women’s Premier League season.

Women’s football around the world is riding the crest of a wave at the moment after the stunning success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand just a few months ago.

The tournament shone a light on the rapid development of the women’s game globally, and while Saudi Arabia may not have been at the tournament, several world stars who did participate will now be turning out in the SWPL.

In just its second season, the SWPL has already taken enormous leaps forward from the inaugural campaign that saw Al-Nassr crowned champions in a thrilling title fight.

A new era awaits

While the inaugural campaign was a stunning success, the 2023-24 season already promises to be bigger and better thanks to a pair of exciting new initiatives.

Firstly, just this week the Saudi Arabia Football Federation inked a deal with Pepsi Co. for their sub-brand Lay’s to become the title sponsor for the SWPL, highlighting the commercial value of the league and marking the largest sponsorship of women’s sport in Saudi Arabia.

“Our partnership with Lay’s for the Saudi Women’s Football League is a testament to the growing support and recognition of women’s sports in Saudi Arabia,” Lamia Bahaian, vice-president of the SAFF, said.

“The league’s expansion, with the backing of Lay’s, is a significant step forward in achieving our objectives to nurture and showcase the incredible talent of female footballers in our nation.

“Together, we are working towards a future where women’s football takes its rightful place on the global stage and inspires young girls across Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

Secondly, and