Fans have been fighting over Saudi Pro League vs MLS claiming which one is better, have a look at the market value, ranking and viewershipย
Even with Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami, Cristiano Ronaldo made waves this month by asserting that the Saudi Pro League is “much better” than Major League Soccer.
Saudi Pro League vs MLS, which is better, market value, viewership and FIFA world ranking
The Portuguese player even said the league he is in presently, with the exception of the Premier League, is better than other European leagues that have lost a lot of talent. Even more famous stars from around the world are joining him in the Gulf state, he pointed.
Ronaldo could have his justifications, but others might be able to argue for why they think MLS is better. We won’t get too deep into this debate, but we will consider how much each league is thought to be worth.
Saudi Pro League vs Major League Soccer: How much is each competition worth?
Olรฉ, an Argentine publication, estimates that the market value of all 29 MLS teams is $1,391,013,400, whereas the valuation of the Saudi Pro League clubs is $611,316,735. It’s crucial to remember that the US league has more teams than the Saudi league.
But according to reports, the three most valuable teams in Saudi Arabia are far more expensive than those in the US. Al-Hilal is valued at $157,779,060, Al-Nassr is worth $135,825,727, and Al-Ittihad is worth $86,411,098. Below those sums are Inter Miami ($79,198,021), New York City ($74,879,148), and LAFC ($62,146,889).
The three clubs in the Saudi Pro League with the lowest market valuations earn a combined total of $13,809,172, yet the three lowest-priced teams in the MLS total $101,745,898.
Granted, MLS doesnโt have great viewership as the average viewership numbers of MLS in 2022 were 343,000.
According to a January study by sports intelligence agency Twenty First Group, the MLS is ranked as the 29th best division in the world while the SPL holds the top position among the best-ranked leagues in Asia.
As per the latest figures, the total number of spectators in MLS in the 2023 season was 7,011,953 and while Ronaldoโs Al-Nassr saw a bump in attendance figures after he arrived, the figures before that were so abysmal that the average attendance ended up being
Meanwhile, according to the Saudi Pro League, matches will be broadcast globally, with UK spectators having access to them via the paid streaming provider DAZN. Following considerable investment from the nation’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has seen a number of high-profile players, like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema clinch transfers, the league is looking to expand its reach through deals in more than 130 territories.
However, there is no live broadcasting channels available in India for Major League Soccer but fans can watch the matches live on Apple TV+ on a subscription basis.