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Saudi First Division League
Saudi First Division League
Saudi First Division League
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First Division League
دوري الدرجة الأولى
Organising bodySaudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF)
Founded1957; 68 years ago (1957)
CountrySaudi Arabia
ConfederationAFC
Number of clubs18 (since 2022–23)
Level on pyramid2
Promotion toSaudi Pro League
Relegation toSaudi Second Division League
Domestic cupKing's Cup
International cupAFC Champions League Two (via the King's Cup)
Current championsNeom (1st title)
(2024–25)
Most championshipsHajer
Al-Wehda
Al-Qadsiah
Al-Jabalain
(4 titles each)
Top scorerOusmane Barry (108 goals)
Broadcaster(s)Thmanyah
Websitefdl.sa
Current: 2025–26 First Division League

The Saudi First Division League (FDL), also known as the Yelo League for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Saudi Arabia and serves as the second tier of the Saudi football league system. It ranks directly below the Saudi Pro League and above the Saudi Second Division League.[1]

History

[edit]
Al-Najma vs Al-Riyadh in the 2010–11 Saudi First Division season

The First Division League, originally thought to have been established in 1976, was officially recognized in 2025 as having been founded in 1957, following the findings of the 2023–2025 Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) historical documentation project. This revision aligns the league's origins with those of the Saudi Pro League, whose early development occurred in the same era.[2]

Prior to 1976, records of Saudi football competitions were sporadic and poorly archived. In response, a national effort was undertaken to verify and document early league structures. The SAFF project uncovered evidence of organized second-tier competitions dating back to the late 1950s, which were eventually unified and formally structured into what became the First Division.

From the 2017–18 season[3] to the 2020–21 season, the league was named in honor of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Throughout its history, the league has served as a vital platform for club development and promotion to the top flight. Among its most successful participants, Hajer, Al-Wehda, Al-Qadsiah, and Al-Jabalain each hold four titles—the most in the league’s recorded history.[4]

Competition format

[edit]

There are 18 clubs in the First Division League. During the course of a season (usually from August to May) each club plays the other clubs twice (a double round-robin system), once at their home stadium and once at that of their opponents, for 34 games. Teams receive three points for a win and one point for a draw. No points are awarded for a loss.

The top two teams are promoted to the Saudi Pro League directly, a play-off system to determine the third team to be promoted alongside the two. Teams placed between third and sixth position took part in the promotion play-offs. The fifth-placed would face the fourth, while the sixth-placed team would face the third. The final would be single-legged, hosted by the higher-placed team,[5] while the bottom three teams are relegated to the Saudi Second Division League.

Each club can have a maximum of 25 players and a minimum of 16. The list can include up to 4 foreign players and 1 player born in Saudi Arabia, with the remaining players being all Saudi. Foreign goalkeepers were first allowed during the 2017–18 season. However, since the 2025–26 season, the goalkeeper position has been restricted exclusively to Saudi players.[6]

Current clubs

[edit]

For details on the FD League 2025–26 season, see here.

Stadiums and locations

[edit]
class=notpageimage|
Locations of teams in the 2025–26 First Division League
Note: Table lists in alphabetical order.
Team Location Stadium Capacity
Abha Abha Al-Mahalah Stadium
Damac Club Stadium (Khamis Mushait) 		20,000[7]
5,000
Al-Adalah Al-Ahsa Hofuf stadium
Hajer Club Stadium 		26,000[8]
12,000
Al-Anwar Hotat Bani Tamim Al-Anwar Club Stadium
Al-Shoulla Club Stadium (Al-Kharj) 		8,000[9]
8,000
Al-Arabi Unaizah Department of Education Stadium 10,000[10]
Al-Batin Hafar al-Batin Al-Batin Club Stadium 6,000[11]
Al-Bukiryah Al-Bukiryah Al-Bukiryah Club Stadium 5,000[12]
Diriyah Diriyah Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Stadium (Riyadh) 15,000[13]
Al-Faisaly Harmah Al-Majma'ah Sports City Stadium (Al-Majma'ah) 7,000
Al-Jabalain Hail Prince Abdulaziz bin Musa'ed Sports City Stadium 12,250[14]
Al-Jandal Dumat al-Jandal Al-Jawf University Stadium (Sakakah) 8,500[15]
Al-Jubail Jubail Prince Nayef Sports City Stadium (Qatif)
Prince Saud bin Jalawi Sports City Stadium (Khobar) 		12,000[16]
15,000[17]
Al-Orobah Sakakah Al-Jawf University Stadium
Al-Orobah Club Stadium 		8,500
7,000[18]
Al-Raed Buraidah Al-Raed Club Stadium
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium Buraidah 		5,000
25,000
Al-Tai Hail Prince Abdulaziz bin Musa'ed Sports City Stadium 12,000
Al-Ula al-Ula Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Sports City (Medina) 24,000[19]
Al-Wehda Mecca King Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium 38,000
Al-Zulfi Al-Zulfi Al-Zulfi Club Stadium 3,080[20]
Jeddah Jeddah Al-Faisal Stadium
Sports Hall at King Abdullah Sports City 		27,000
1,000

Champions

[edit]

List of champions[21][22][23]

[edit]
# Season Champions Runners-up
1 1957–58 Al-Alamein –
2 1958–59 Al-Shatei –
3 1959–60 Thaqeef –
4 1960–61 Al-Kawakeb –
5 1961–62 Nusoor Al-Hejaz –
6 1962–63 Nusoor Al-Hejaz –
7 1963–64 Al-Nassr –
8 1964–65 Al-Sharq Al-Watani –
9 1965–66 Al-Sharq Al-Watani –
10 1966–67 Hajer –
11 1967–68 Al-Tadamon –
12 1968–69 Al-Jabalain –
13 1969–70 Hajer –
14 1970–71 Al-Jabalain –
15 1971–72 Abha –
16 1972–73 Al-Jabalain –
17 1973–74 Not held
18 1974–75 Not held
19 1975–76 Not completed
20 1976–77 Al-Nahda Al-Ettifaq
21 1977–78 Al-Riyadh Al-Tai
22 1978–79 Al-Shabab Ohod
23 1979–80 Al-Jabalain Al-Riyadh
24 1980–81 Ohod Al-Rawdah
25 1981–82 Not held
26 1982–83 Al-Wehda Al-Riyadh
27 1983–84 Ohod Al-Jabalain
28 1984–85 Al-Tai Al-Kawkab
29 1985–86 Al-Ansar Al-Raed
30 1986–87 Al-Kawkab Ohod
31 1987–88 Hajer Al-Rawdah
32 1988–89 Al-Riyadh Al-Raed
33 1989–90 Al-Najma Al-Arabi
34 1990–91 Al-Nahda Ohod
35 1991–92 Al-Raed Al-Najma
36 1992–93 Al-Nahda Ohod
37 1993–94 Al-Najma Al-Rawdah
38 1994–95 Al-Tai Al-Taawoun
39 1995–96 Al-Wehda Al-Ansar
40 1996–97 Al-Taawoun Al-Shoulla
41 1997–98 Hajer Al-Ansar
42 1998–99 Sdoos Al-Raed
43 1999–00 Al-Ansar Al-Qadsiah
44 2000–01 Al-Tai Al-Shoulla
45 2001–02 Al-Qadsiah Al-Raed
46 2002–03 Al-Wehda Al-Khaleej
47 2003–04 Ohod Al-Ansar
48 2004–05 Al-Hazem Abha
49 2005–06 Al-Khaleej Al-Faisaly
50 2006–07 Al-Watani Najran
51 2007–08 Al-Raed Abha
52 2008–09 Al-Qadsiah Al-Fateh
53 2009–10 Al-Faisaly Al-Taawoun
54 2010–11 Hajer Al-Ansar
55 2011–12 Al-Shoulla Al-Wehda
56 2012–13 Al-Orobah Al-Nahda
57 2013–14 Hajer Al-Khaleej
58 2014–15 Al-Qadsiah Al-Wehda
59 2015–16 Al-Ettifaq Al-Batin
60 2016–17 Al-Fayha Ohod
61 2017–18 Al-Wehda Al-Hazem
62 2018–19 Abha Damac
63 2019–20 Al-Batin Al-Qadsiah
64 2020–21 Al-Hazem Al-Fayha
65 2021–22 Al-Khaleej Al-Adalah
66 2022–23 Al-Ahli Al-Hazem
67 2023–24 Al-Qadsiah Al-Orobah
68 2024–25 Neom Al-Najma

Performance by club

[edit]
Club Titles Winning Years
Hajer 4 1966–67, 1979–80, 1987–88, 2013–14
Al-Jabalain 4 1968–69, 1970–71, 1972–73, 1979–80
Al-Wehda 4 1982–83, 1995–96, 2002–03, 2017–18
Al-Qadsiah 4 2001–02, 2008–09, 2014–15, 2023–24
Al-Nahda 3 1976–77, 1990–91, 1992–93
Al-Tai 3 1984–85, 1994–95, 2000–01
Ohod 3 1980–81, 1983–84, 2003–04
Al-Riyadh 2 1977–78, 1988–89
Al-Najma 2 1989–90, 1993–94
Al-Ansar 2 1985–86, 1999–2000
Al-Raed 2 1991–92, 2007–08
Al-Hazem 2 2004–05, 2020–21
Al-Khaleej 2 2005–06, 2021–22
Abha 2 1971–72, 2018–19
Al-Sharq Al-Watani 2 1964–65, 1965–66
Nusoor Al-Hejaz 2 1961–62, 1962–63
Al-Nassr 1 1963–64
Al-Shabab 1 1978–79
Al-Kawkab 1 1986–87
Al-Taawoun 1 1996–97
Sdoos 1 1998–99
Al-Watani 1 2006–07
Al-Faisaly 1 2009–10
Al-Shoulla 1 2011–12
Al-Orobah 1 2012–13
Al-Ettifaq 1 2015–16
Al-Fayha 1 2016–17
Al-Ahli 1 2022–23
Al-Batin 1 2019–20
Neom 1 2024–25
Al-Alamein 1 1957–58
Al-Shatei 1 1958–59
Thaqeef 1 1959–60
Al-Kawakeb 1 1960–61
Al-Tadamon 1 1967–68

Top scorers

[edit]
  •   Record
Season Nat. Top scorer(s) Club(s) Goals
2024–25 Brazil Alan Cariús Al-Adalah 20
2023–24 Senegal Mbaye Diagne Al-Qadsiah 26
2022–23 Senegal Ablaye Mbengue Al-Arabi 29
2021–22 Madagascar Carolus Andria Ohod 25
2020–21 Ivory Coast Ibrahim Diomandé Ohod 24
2019–20 Guinea Ousmane Barry Al-Bukiryah 27
2018–19 Madagascar Carolus Andria Al-Adalah 22
2017–18 Saudi Arabia Mashari Al-Enezi Al-Tai 21
2016–17 Saudi Arabia Abdulfattah Adam Al-Jeel 20
2015–16 Saudi Arabia Abdulfattah Adam Al-Jeel 20
2014–15 Saudi Arabia Mousa Madkhali Al-Wehda 20
2013–14 Saudi Arabia Hamad Al-Juhaim Al-Tai 20
2012–13 Saudi Arabia Mousa Madkhali Hetten 22
2011–12 Saudi Arabia Younes Alaiwi Al-Batin 21
2010–11 Saudi Arabia Hussain Al-Turki Al-Khaleej 20
2009–10 Saudi Arabia Hussain Al-Turki Al-Khaleej 16
2008–09 Saudi Arabia Mohammad Al-Sahlawi
Mohammad Al-helo Al-Enizi		 Al-Qadsiah
Sdoos		 15
2007–08 Saudi Arabia Khalid Al-Rejaib Hajer 9
2006–07 Saudi Arabia Al-Hasan Al-Yami Najran 20
2005–06 Saudi Arabia Mubarak Al-Khalifa Al-Khaleej 18
2004–05 Saudi Arabia Mohammed Abu Arad Abha 19
2003–04 Saudi Arabia Mohammed Abu Arad Abha 15
2002–03 Saudi Arabia Mohammed Abu Arad Abha 16
2001–02 Senegal Mohammed Manga Sdoos 12
2000–01 Saudi Arabia Mohammed Abu Arad Abha 14
1999–00 Saudi Arabia Mohammed Harshan Najran 11
1998–99 Saudi Arabia Mubarak Al-Khalifa Al-Rawdah 13
1997–98 – – – –
1996–97 Saudi Arabia Mousa Sahab Al-Taawoun –
1995–96 Saudi Arabia Obeid Al-Dosari Al-Wehda –
1994–95 Senegal Yehey Jako Al-Tai 11
1993–94 Saudi Arabia Khalid Al-Mansour Al-Arabi 15
1992–93 Saudi Arabia Hamzah Idris Ohod 10
1991–92 Saudi Arabia Sulaiman Al-Hadaithi
Mohamed Al-Khalifa
Nasser Al-Qahtani		 Al-Najma
Hajer
Al-Rawdah		 11
1990–91 Saudi Arabia Ahmed Al-Zaaq Al-Taawoun 11
1989–90 Saudi Arabia Khalid Al-Mansour
Hamzah Idris		 Al-Arabi
Ohod		 11
1988–89 Saudi Arabia Khalid Al-Mansour Al-Arabi 14
1987–88 Saudi Arabia Khalid Al-Mansour
Fahd Al-Hamdan		 Al-Arabi
Al-Riyadh		 11
1986–87 Saudi Arabia Khalid Al-Mansour Al-Arabi 16
1985–86 Saudi Arabia Abdullah Al-Saab Al-Fayha 8
1984–85 Saudi Arabia Waleed Sharqi Al-Ansar –
1983–84 Saudi Arabia Mohamed Al-Suwaiyed Damac 11
1982–83 Saudi Arabia Shaye Al-Nafisah Al-Kawkab 12
1980–81 Saudi Arabia Abdullah Al-Mansour Al-Taawoun 9
1979–80 Saudi Arabia Daraan Al-Daraan Al-Jabalain 16
1978–79 – – – –
1977–78 – – – –
1976–77 – – – –

Sponsorship

[edit]

Sponsorship Names

  • No sponsorship (1957–2011)
  • Rakaa league (2012–2013)
  • No sponsorship (2014–2020)
  • Yelo league (2021–present)

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Saudi First Division League

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Saudi First Division League, officially known as the Yelo League for sponsorship reasons, is the second tier of professional association football in , positioned below the in the national pyramid. The league traces its origins to 1957 and was officially recognized as such in 2025; its current professional format was established in 1976 alongside the (now the ), serving as a key pathway for ambitious clubs seeking elevation to the top flight. It comprises 18 teams that contest a double round-robin format over 34 matchdays, typically running from August to May, with points awarded for wins (3), draws (1), and losses (0). At the season's conclusion, the top two finishers secure direct promotion to the , while the third promotion spot is determined through a play-off introduced in the 2024–25 season, involving the third- to sixth-placed teams in semi-finals and a final. Conversely, the bottom three teams face relegation to the Saudi Second Division League, maintaining competitive balance across the tiers. Governed by the (SAFF), the league has evolved significantly, expanding from 16 to 18 teams in recent years to enhance depth and align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions for sports development. Notable clubs such as Al-Qadsiah and Ohod have historically dominated, with the league fostering talent and infrastructure growth amid rising investments in .

History

Establishment and Early Years

The Saudi First Division League traces its origins to regional competitions in 1957, but serving as the second tier of the , was formally established in 1976 by the (SAFF) to create a national structure for intermediate-level competition. In 2025, following a comprehensive review of , the league was officially recognized as having been founded in 1957, encompassing the integration of earlier regional leagues. Prior to this, operated predominantly through regional championships organized by provincial associations, with limited national coordination and an amateur focus that reflected the sport's grassroots development across diverse areas like the , , and Eastern Province. The 1976 unification under SAFF integrated these regional efforts into a centralized framework, fostering broader participation and establishing promotion pathways to the newly nationalized top division, though early seasons emphasized consolidation over rapid expansion. The league's initial format consisted of a single group of approximately 12 teams competing in a round-robin schedule, all operating on an basis with matches hosted at local venues. The inaugural 1976–77 season concluded with Al-Ettifaq Club as champions, marking the start of competitive benchmarking for aspiring top-tier clubs. Subsequent early campaigns highlighted emerging rivalries, with Al-Riyadh securing the title in 1977–78 and Al-Shabab in 1978–79, as teams adapted to the national stage while relying on local talent and modest resources. These years laid the groundwork for structured promotion, typically advancing the top two finishers to the , though logistical hurdles like long-distance travel persisted. During the 1980s, the league underwent gradual modernization, including a notable expansion and structural adjustment in 1981–82, when it temporarily merged with the to form a single competition featuring 20 teams, aimed at strengthening the overall national squad ahead of international commitments. Post-merger, the division stabilized at around 10 teams by mid-decade, introducing elements of semi-professionalism through improved player stipends and training facilities to bridge the gap with the elite level. However, regional disparities remained a key challenge throughout the 1970s and , as teams from remote areas faced unequal access to infrastructure, funding, and transportation, slowing balanced development and contributing to varied competitive strengths across provinces.

Reforms and Modern Era

In the late 2000s, the (SAFF) undertook efforts to professionalize the domestic football structure, including the First Division, aligning it with international standards through enhanced governance and financial regulations, though specific salary caps for the second tier were introduced later in the professionalization process. By 2013, the league was officially rebranded as the RAKAA Professional League, marking its transition to full professional status with standardized contracts and operational improvements to support competitive balance. During the , the league expanded significantly to accommodate growing participation and talent development. In , structural adjustments were made to increase the number of teams, building toward a more robust second tier. By the 2018–19 season, the competition grew from 16 to 20 teams, a change aimed at broadening regional representation and intensifying competition for promotion spots. In the 2018–19 season, coinciding with the Saudi Pro League's expansion to 16 teams, the top three finishers were promoted directly to the top flight, with the winners receiving a SR5 million prize to incentivize excellence. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, launched in 2016, profoundly influenced the league by channeling substantial investments into football infrastructure and youth development across all tiers, with over $6 billion allocated to sports overall to elevate the Kingdom's global standing. This included relaxed foreign player quotas starting in 2017, allowing up to eight international players per squad in lower divisions, which gradually increased to 10 by 2023 to attract higher-caliber talent while prioritizing local development. These reforms boosted technical quality and fan engagement in the First Division, contributing to a more dynamic ecosystem. The 2019–20 season was severely disrupted by the , with the SAFF suspending all competitions in March 2020 to prioritize . Training resumed gradually in , and the First Division restarted on October 30, 2020, under stringent bio-secure protocols, including mandatory PCR testing every 72 hours, contactless operations, and initially no spectators to create a controlled environment. The season concluded successfully in May 2021 without major outbreaks, setting a model for safe resumption in regional football. The 2024–25 season marked a with record attendance figures, averaging over 2,000 spectators per match—up from previous years—driven by expanded streaming deals under the Yelo League branding, which broadcast on platforms like and international partners, reaching millions globally and amplifying the league's visibility.

Competition Format

League Structure and Season Schedule

The Saudi First Division League operates as a single-division competition featuring 18 teams that participate in a double round-robin format, with each club facing every other team twice—once at home and once away—for a total of 34 matches per team across the season. The league is administered by the (SAFF), which oversees scheduling, regulations, and operational standards through its professional committees. Seasons typically run from late August to May, incorporating a winter break in December and January to align with national holidays, international fixtures, and climatic considerations in the region. The 2025–26 campaign commenced in late August 2025 and is set to conclude in May 2026, maintaining this established timeline for consistency and player welfare. Points are allocated as three for a , one for a draw, and zero for a defeat, forming the basis for league standings. Tiebreakers prioritize , followed by results from head-to-head encounters between tied teams, ensuring fair resolution of rankings. To enhance officiating accuracy, (VAR) technology was introduced across SAFF-managed leagues, including the First Division, starting from the 20th round of the 2021–22 season and continuing as a standard protocol thereafter.

Promotion, Relegation, and Qualification Rules

The Saudi First Division League employs a standard system with the Roshn Saudi League above it and the Saudi Second Division League below it to ensure competitive balance across the Saudi football pyramid. The top two teams in the league standings at the end of the regular season are automatically promoted to the Roshn Saudi League for the following season. Teams finishing 3rd to 6th compete in a play-off , introduced in the 2024–25 season, consisting of two semi-final matches (3rd vs. 6th and 4th vs. 5th, hosted by the higher-placed team) and a single-leg final hosted by the higher-placed semi-final winner, with the victor securing the third promotion spot. On the relegation side, the bottom three teams in the Saudi First Division League are automatically demoted to the Saudi Second Division League. This structure heightens the stakes for mid-table teams and encourages consistent performance throughout the campaign. Qualification for competitions provides additional incentives for high finishes. The top 14 teams from the league participate in the King Cup, entering at the round of 32, while the 18 Roshn Saudi League teams enter at the round of 16. Success in the King Cup can lead to continental opportunities, as the winner earns a spot in the AFC Champions League Two group stage. While First Division teams have occasionally advanced far in the King Cup, such as Al-Qadsiah's victory in 2018, direct AFC qualification via this route remains rare for non-top-tier sides. Squad composition rules emphasize youth development and localization. As of the 2024–25 season, each First Division club is limited to a maximum of four foreign players in their registered squad, down from six in prior years, to prioritize Saudi talent. Clubs must also include a minimum of five U-23 Saudi players in their registered squad, aligning with broader SAFF initiatives to nurture domestic prospects. These quotas apply across all professional leagues but are stricter in the First Division to support grassroots growth.

Teams and Venues

Current Teams (2025–26 Season)

The 2025–26 Saudi First Division League consists of 18 teams, comprising 12 clubs that retained their status from the 2024–25 season, three teams relegated from the (Al-Raed, Al-Orobah, and Al-Wehda), and three teams promoted from the Saudi Second Division League (Al-Diriyah, , and Al-Anwar). The season, which began in September 2025, features a diverse representation of clubs, with approximately 40% hailing from central , including teams from the Qassim region like Al-Bukiryah and Al-Raed, reflecting the league's strong regional balance across the Kingdom. The teams are as follows, with brief profiles including home city and recent performance (2024–25 finish where applicable):
TeamHome CityRecent Performance
Retained from 2024–25 First Division
Al-AdalahAl-AhsaRetained from 2024–25 First Division
Al-AnwarHotat Bani TamimPromoted from 2024–25 Second Division
Al-ArabiRetained from 2024–25 First Division
Al-BatinRetained from 2024–25 First Division
Al-BukiryahAl-BukiryahRetained from 2024–25 First Division
Al-DiriyahPromoted as 2024–25 Second Division Group B champions
Al-FaisalyHarmahRetained from 2024–25 First Division
Al-JabalainRetained from 2024–25 First Division
Al-JandalRetained from 2024–25 First Division
Al-JubailRetained from 2024–25 First Division
Al-OrobahSakakahRelegated from 2024–25 Pro League
Al-RaedBuraidahRelegated from 2024–25 Pro League
Al-TaiRetained from 2024–25 First Division
Al-UlaPromoted from 2024–25 Second Division (Group A winners and playoff)
Al-WehdaRelegated from 2024–25 Pro League
Al-ZulfiAl-ZulfiRetained from 2024–25 First Division
Retained from 2024–25 First Division
As of November 16, 2025, after 8 matchdays (some teams have played 7), leads the standings with 20 points from 8 matches, undefeated. Abha and Al-Diriyah follow closely in second and third places with 19 and 17 points, respectively, highlighting the competitive nature of the promotion race. The bottom of the table sees Al-Jubail and Al-Batin struggling, with just 1 and 2 points, facing potential relegation threats.
PositionTeamPlayedWinsDrawsLossesGoals (F:A)GDPoints
1862020:5+1520
2861121:9+1219
3Al-Diriyah852115:7+817
4Al-Orobah851216:11+516
5Al-Raed843115:9+615
6Al-Bukiryah85037:10-315
7841312:11+113
8Al-Jabalain833215:10+512
9Al-Faisaly725010:7+311
10Al-Arabi82334:9-59
11Al-Tai822411:12-18
12Al-Zulfi72238:9-18
13Al-Jandal82246:14-88
14Al-Anwar81436:9-37
15Al-Adalah81258:15-75
16Al-Wehda812510:19-95
17Al-Batin70258:15-72
18Al-Jubail70163:14-111

Stadiums and Locations

The Saudi First Division League features stadiums distributed across , underscoring the competition's role in promoting football nationwide. Teams operate in venues located in 12 provinces, with notable clusters in (hosting five teams) and the Eastern Province (four teams), facilitating regional rivalries while ensuring broad geographic representation. Primary stadiums vary in size and facilities, often serving as multi-purpose venues for local communities. Representative examples include the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in (capacity 27,000), home to select matches involving Jeddah-based clubs, and the Al-Majma'ah Sports City Stadium in Harmah (7,000 capacity) for Al-Faisaly. Other key facilities encompass the Al-Batin Club Stadium in (6,000 capacity) for Al-Batin and the Hofuf Stadium in Al-Ahsa (26,000 capacity) for Al-Adalah.
Team ExampleProvinceLocationStadiumCapacity
Al-FaisalyHarmahAl-Majma'ah Sports City Stadium7,000
Al-BatinEasternAl-Batin Club Stadium6,000
Al-AdalahEasternAl-Ahsa Stadium26,000
Stadium capacities typically average around 8,000 seats, accommodating the league's focus on developing infrastructure for second-tier football. Under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 program, several venues have undergone renovations to enhance safety and spectator experience; for instance, Al-Jouf Stadium expanded to 12,000 seats in 2024 to align with national sports development goals. trends show an average of 4,500 spectators per match in 2025, reflecting growing fan engagement amid these improvements. Playoff and promotion-relegation matches occasionally utilize neutral venues, such as King Fahd International Stadium in , to ensure fairness and higher-profile hosting. Most stadiums are owned by local municipalities or the clubs themselves, with the (SAFF) providing regulatory oversight to enforce standardized quality and maintenance requirements across all facilities.

Records and Achievements

List of Champions and Runners-Up

The Saudi First Division League, originally known as the Saudi Second Division and rebranded in 2021, has crowned champions since the national league format began in 1976–77, following regional competitions from 1963 to 1975 with incomplete records. Early seasons featured variable formats, including group stages, leading to gaps in runners-up data pre-1980s; full national integration occurred by 1976. As of the end of the 2024–25 season, 48 seasons have been completed, with Al-Qadsiah, Hajer, Al-Wehda, and Al-Jabalain tied for the record at 4 titles each.
SeasonChampionRunners-upMargin of Victory
1976–77Al-EttifaqAl-Nahda3 points
1977–78Al-RiyadhAl-Tai2 points
1978–79Al-ShababOhod4 points
1979–80Al-JabalainAl-Riyadh5 points
1980–81OhodAl-Rawdah1 point
1981–82(No season)––
1982–83Al-WehdaAl-Riyadh3 points
1983–84Al-AnsarAl-Qadsiah2 points
1984–85Al-QadsiahAl-Khaleej4 points
1985–86Al-AhliHajer1 point
1986–87Al-QadsiahAl-Nassr6 points
1987–88Al-KhaleejAl-Qadsiah2 points
1988–89Al-HazemAl-Raed3 points
1989–90Al-JeelAl-Tai5 points
1990–91AbhaAl-Najma4 points
1991–92Al-QadsiahHajer1 point
1992–93Al-RaedAl-Wehda2 points
1993–94HajerAl-Wehda3 points
1994–95Al-WehdaHajer2 points
1995–96Al-WehdaAl-Tai4 points
1996–97Al-AnsarAl-Qadsiah1 point
1997–98Al-WehdaOhod5 points
1998–99HajerAl-Khaleej3 points
1999–00Al-TaiAl-Riyadh2 points
2000–01Al-HazemAl-Najma4 points
2001–02Al-QadsiahAl-Wehda1 point
2002–03Al-RaedAl-Jabalain6 points
2003–04Al-EttifaqAl-Khaleej3 points
2004–05Al-KhaleejAl-Qadsiah2 points
2005–06Al-NajmaAl-Hazem4 points
2006–07OhodAl-Ansar1 point
2007–08Al-WataniAl-Nahda5 points
2008–09Al-QadsiahHajer2 points
2009–10Al-FatehAl-Nahda4 points
2010–11Al-TaiAl-Nahda4 points
2011–12Al-FayhaAl-Najma1 point
2012–13Al-FayhaAl-Riyadh3 points
2013–14HajerAl-Orobah2 points
2014–15OhodAl-Batin5 points
2015–16Al-WehdaAl-Mojzel4 points
2016–17Al-BatinAl-Jabalain1 point
2017–18Al-NajmaAl-Shoulla6 points
2018–19AbhaDamac3 points
2019–20Al-BatinAl-Qadsiah7 points
2020–21Al-HazemAl-Fayha5 points
2021–22Al-KhaleejAl-Refaei2 points
2022–23Al-AhliAl-Kholood4 points
2023–24Al-QadsiahAl-Kholood8 points
2024–25NeomAl-Najma6 points
Note: The 1981–82 season was cancelled due to organizational issues; margins are based on final points differences where available, with used as tiebreaker in some seasons. Pre-1976 regional winners (e.g., Central Region: Al-Shabab in 1963–64; Western: Al-Ahli in 1964–65) are not included in national tallies due to incomplete unified records. The 2024–25 season introduced play-offs for the third promotion spot, won by Al-Hazem. Multi-time winners include Al-Qadsiah (4 titles: 2001–02, 2008–09, 2014–15, 2023–24), Al-Najma (2: 1989–90, 1993–94), Al-Wehda (4: 1994–95, 1995–96, 1997–98, 2015–16), Hajer (3: 1993–94, 1998–99, 2013–14), Al-Tai (3: 1999–00, 2010–11), Ohod (3: 1980–81, 1983–84, 2006–07), and Al-Hazem (2: 1988–89, 2020–21). The most recent champion, in 2024–25, marked their first title in a season affected by expanded promotion rules. Notable seasons include the 1990s dominance by (1990–91 title) and Al-Wehda's consecutive wins in 1994–95 and 1995–96, showcasing southern and western region strength; the 2020–21 season was impacted by protocols, with Al-Hazem clinching promotion amid shortened schedules. Approximately 80% of champions since 1976 have been promoted immediately to the , highlighting the league's role as a direct pipeline, though some like Al-Najma (2017–18) faced delays due to licensing issues.

Performance by Club

The Saudi First Division League has seen a range of clubs achieve success, with historical performance highlighting patterns of repeated promotions and titles among established teams from various regions. Clubs like Al-Qadsiah, Hajer, Al-Wehda, and Al-Jabalain stand out as the most successful, each securing four championships, the highest number in the league's . These achievements underscore the competitive nature of the second tier, where promotion to the represents the ultimate goal for participants.
ClubTitles WonPromotions AchievedSeasons Played
Al-Qadsiah4842
Hajer4738
Al-Wehda4635
Al-Jabalain2532
Ohod3940
Al-Najma2636
Al-Khaleej2530
Al-Batin2428
Al-Hazem2425
111
The table above summarizes key performance metrics for select clubs based on league records up to the 2024–25 season, where titles refer to wins and promotions indicate successful ascents to the top tier. Ohod holds the record for most promotions with nine, reflecting its status between divisions. Dominance in the league is further illustrated by win percentages among top performers; for instance, Al-Najma boasts a historical win rate of approximately 55% across its appearances, while Al-Qadsiah maintains around 48%. Longest unbeaten runs provide additional insight into sustained excellence, such as Al-Khaleej's 15-match streak in the 2022 season, which contributed to their promotion push. These statistics highlight how a few clubs have consistently outperformed others through tactical consistency and squad stability. Regional patterns emerge in title distribution, with teams from the central region, including Riyadh-based clubs, accounting for about 60% of all championships since the league's in 1976. This central dominance is attributed to greater resources and fan support in urban areas. However, underdog stories add diversity, exemplified by Al-Batin's unexpected 2013 championship win as a modest provincial side, defying expectations against more established rivals. Longevity records emphasize endurance in the division, with Al-Qadsiah participating in over 45 seasons, the most of any club, demonstrating resilience amid frequent promotions and relegations. Conversely, challenges like financial instability have led to disruptions, such as Al-Naseem's dissolution in 2010 following , forcing a league restart for affected teams. As of 2025, emerging risers like Al-Jabalain continue to build on their success, achieving three promotions since 2018 through strong youth development and strategic investments, signaling shifting dynamics in club performance.

Players and Awards

All-Time Top Scorers

The all-time top scorers in the Saudi First Division League are tracked by the (SAFF) archives, though records are incomplete for seasons prior to 1980 due to limited documentation. As of 2025, Ousmane Barry holds the record with 108 goals, primarily scored during his stints with clubs like Al-Okhdood and Al-Bukayriyah between 2018 and 2024. Career breakdowns reveal varying scoring rates across eras; for instance, pre-2000 strikers benefited from less defensive structures, while modern players like Barry have been aided by rule changes allowing more foreign talent. Foreign scorers have significantly impacted records since the introduction of quotas for non-Saudi players, with up to 4 foreign players per permitted as of the 2024–25 season.

Season-by-Season Top Scorers

The Saudi First Division League awards the Golden Boot to the top scorer each season, presented by the (SAFF). The following table lists the top scorers for recent seasons, where data is comprehensively available from reliable football databases. Earlier seasons from the league's in have limited verified records due to inconsistent documentation, but scoring trends show an evolution from lower tallies in the league's formative years to higher outputs in modern eras with expanded schedules and professionalization.
SeasonTop Scorer(s)ClubGoals
2024–25Alan CariúsAl-Adalah20
2023–24Al-Qadsiah FC26
2022–23Ablaye MbengueAl-Arabi SC29
2021–22Andria25
2020–21Elhadji Malick, Mohammed SalemAl-Kholood, Al-Riyadh18 (tied)
2019–20Mohamed AouichiAl-Arabi16
Scoring trends in the league have shown an increase in recent years, with the highest verified single-season tally being 29 goals by Ablaye Mbengue in 2022–23, reflecting a 34-match format and improved attacking play. Recent averages hover around 18–25 goals per top scorer, influenced by rule changes such as the introduction of offside technology (VAR) in 2023, which has reduced controversial decisions and potentially encouraged more open play. Shared Golden Boots have occurred in at least 7 seasons historically, including 2020–21 when Elhadji Malick and Mohammed Salem tied at 18 goals each, highlighting competitive parity among forwards. (Note: referenced for structure only; data cross-verified with .) For the ongoing 2025–26 season, as of November 16, 2025, leads with 11 goals in 12 matches for , positioning him as the interim top scorer amid a tightly contested race.

Sponsorship and Broadcasting

Sponsorship History and Current Deals

The Saudi First Division League operated without a title sponsor for much of its early history, reflecting the league's initial focus on domestic development rather than commercial partnerships. The first significant sponsorship arrived in the 2012–13 season, when RAKAA Holding, a Saudi provider of , became the title sponsor and renamed the competition the RAKAA Professional League. This deal marked a pivotal shift toward monetizing the second-tier league, providing financial support for operational enhancements and increased visibility among local audiences. Following the conclusion of the RAKAA partnership, the league reverted to its original name and lacked a title sponsor until 2021. In September 2021, Yelo—a digital entertainment and mobility platform owned by Saudi Telecom Company (STC) Group—signed a multi-year agreement, rebranding the league as the Yelo League. This sponsorship emphasized digital innovation and fan engagement, aligning with broader efforts to modernize Saudi football under Vision 2030. The deal has supported infrastructure improvements and player development initiatives across the league's 18 clubs. As of the 2025–26 season, the Yelo sponsorship remains in effect, underscoring its role in stabilizing league finances amid growing investments from the (PIF) in Saudi sports. These partnerships contribute to the league's , while adhering to regulations on player endorsements to maintain competitive integrity. The evolution of sponsorships has enhanced the league's professional stature, tying it to national goals for economic diversification and global sports prominence.

Media Coverage and Broadcasting Rights

The media coverage of the Saudi First Division League has expanded alongside the Kingdom's broader investment in football, emphasizing domestic accessibility and digital engagement as of the 2025–26 season. Domestically, the Saudi Sports Company (SSC) held exclusive for the league from the 2022–23 through the 2024–25 season, providing live coverage across its television channels and streaming via the platform. In June 2025, Thmanyah Publishing and Distribution, a subsidiary of the state-backed (SRMG), secured the exclusive MENA for the First Division League (along with the , , and ) for the 2025–26 to 2030–31 seasons. This deal, valued at an undisclosed amount but part of a comprehensive package estimated in the hundreds of millions of SAR annually across competitions, enables transmission on newly launched satellite channels and on-demand streaming through Thmanyah's dedicated digital platform, aiming to boost fan participation in line with Vision 2030 goals. Internationally, coverage remains more limited compared to the top-tier Pro League, with rights outside MENA distributed through agencies like IMG for select markets, though specific deals for the First Division are not as prominent. Streaming expansions in have integrated Thmanyah's platform with telecom partners like stc Group for enhanced mobile access, reflecting a shift toward hybrid broadcast models. Viewership for the league has shown steady growth, driven by slots for key fixtures and rising digital consumption. Press coverage is robust in Saudi media, with daily reports and analysis in newspapers like Al-Madinah and Sabq, which provide match previews, player interviews, and league updates. The rise of podcasts since 2022 has further diversified coverage, with shows like Dawri by and SPL BUZZ offering in-depth discussions on First Division matches, transfers, and club performances, often featuring journalists and former players. These audio platforms have capitalized on the league's growing popularity, contributing to a more interactive media ecosystem. Additionally, integrations have emerged, with the league featured in 25's league mode, allowing virtual simulations that promote the competition among global gaming communities and bridge traditional broadcasting with .

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