Recast powers new Saudi Pro League distribution model, opening live content distribution to creators, clubs, players and publishers

Recast technology enables the Saudi Pro League to extend distribution beyond traditional broadcast relationships, with approved partners able to distribute, monetise and generate revenue from live RSL content

EDINBURGH, UK - 17 September 2026 ‍

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has this week announced an innovative new international distribution model, powered by Recast, opening live Roshn Saudi League (RSL) content to a wider network of approved content creators, clubs, players and third-party platforms.

The model extends distribution beyond the traditional relationship between rights holders and broadcasters, allowing organisations and individuals with engaged audiences to participate directly in content distribution.

Using Recast’s distribution and monetisation infrastructure, the SPL will make approved live content available across multiple digital surfaces while retaining control over access, availability and commercial terms.

Approved players, creators, clubs and third-party publishers can distribute and promote RSL matches to their own audiences. Recast automatically tracks transactions, attributes purchases and splits and settles revenue between participating parties.

The technology enables the SPL to issue direct-to-consumer access in selected markets, complementing its existing international broadcast arrangements rather than replacing them. It also allows the league to build direct relationships with international fans and develop valuable first-party audience insights.

Recast also provides the infrastructure for alternative commercial models around that access. Alongside traditional pay-per-view, brands can sponsor free or subsidised access for audiences in exchange for an agreed consumer action, such as sharing permissioned first-party data. 

Audiences benefit from the flexibility of choice, while brands fund the actions and outcomes they value most.

The model brings distribution in line with the way audiences now discover sport, giving the people and platforms influencing that discovery a direct role in distribution and the value it generates.

Omar Mugharbel, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Pro League, said:

“The way people discover, consume and engage with sport is changing rapidly. Fans are increasingly connected to competitions, clubs and players through digital platforms and the creators and communities they trust.

“For generations, sports distribution has largely been a relationship between rights holders and broadcasters. Developments in technology and the growth of the creator economy give us an opportunity to add another dimension to that relationship - one in which a broader network of partners can help connect our football with fans and participate in that growth.”

Andy Meikle, Founder & CEO of Recast, said:

“In 2013, I partnered with Cristiano Ronaldo as athlete-led influencer marketing was beginning to emerge. The natural evolution now is for players and creators not simply to promote content, but to distribute it directly to their fans and followers and participate in the revenue they generate.

“More organisations are looking to creators and influencers to reach audiences, but that activity often remains a marketing cost, without a direct commercial model attached to content access. Recast connects that reach to revenue, enabling each participant to earn a share of the value they generate.

“The Saudi Pro League is leading that shift, turning approved players, clubs, creators and publishers into a coordinated distribution network while retaining control of its rights and commercial terms. This complements existing broadcast relationships and creates new routes to fans, allowing reach and revenue to grow together.”

The new distribution model is now live across the 16 participating international markets: The United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, Serbia, South Korea, Malta, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Cyprus and Greece. Fans in these countries can access SPL match streams here: https://www.spl.com.sa/en/watch

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About the Saudi Pro League  

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) is the governing body of Saudi Arabia's top-tier football division and the highest-ranked league in Asia, as recognised by the AFC. The SPL aims to create experiences that go beyond the 90 minutes of play, transforming every game week into a memorable event. Through its mission, the SPL focuses on developing the sport, nurturing talent, and blending competition, community, and culture to tell a story that resonates with fans worldwide.

In early 2023, the SPL launched a transformation strategy aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to position the league among the world's best. The strategy focuses on nurturing young talent, attracting top international players, improving club governance, and driving competitiveness both on and off the pitch. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, the SPL is shaping a football legacy that extends far beyond the game itself, contributing to the growth of the sport and the nation.

About Recast

Recast is the global infrastructure for distributed content monetisation. Audiences can unlock content wherever they discover it by paying for access or receiving free, brand-sponsored access in exchange for engaging, shopping, redeeming loyalty benefits or choosing to share their details. Recast automatically attributes, splits and settles the value generated among all participants.

Media enquiries

For media inquiries or to learn more about this partnership, please contact: press@recastpay.com.

For more information, please visit recastpay.com.

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