Ronaldo’s Broadcast Buzz: Are Foreign Channels Pulling Out of the Saudi Pro League?
12 February 2026
The Don hasn’t played for Al Nassr lately.
Ronaldo's absence fuels broadcasting rumors
Omar Batragi, head of corporate communications and media for the Saudi Pro League, set the record straight on rumors that several foreign channels have pulled out of Roshen match coverage due to Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from Al Nassr recently.
Official response from the league
Ronaldo has not featured for Al Nassr in recent matches, protesting what he sees as a lack of high-profile winter signings, unlike rivals backed by the Public Investment Fund, especially Al Hilal, who recently signed Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad.
Speculation spread that some networks would withdraw from broadcasting Roshen, but the Saudi Pro League Association issued an official statement to end the chatter.
In televised remarks, Batragi said that foreign channels are increasing year by year; last summer there was not only a rise in the number of channels but also in the terms and duration of contracts, often long-term.
He added that there is no truth to the claims that any channel has withdrawn.
Punchline: If contracts were as long as these rumors, we’d need a calendar in binary.
Punchline: Ronaldo may keep his powder dry on the pitch, but the press box keeps getting louder with every new deal.
