RIYADH — The Saudi Women’s Premier League is set to kick off its third season on September 27, marking another significant chapter in the growth of women’s football in the Kingdom.

With over 200 players from more than 20 nationalities, the league is continuing its steady development as a professional platform for female athletes.

This season, spanning 18 weeks and featuring 90 matches, sees the league welcoming 15 new international signings across its 10 teams.

The influx of international talent reflects the growing interest in the Saudi league, coming on the heels of Al Nassr’s recent qualification for the preliminary stage of the AFC Women’s Champions League.

The season’s launch is accompanied by the #SeeUsPlay campaign, which aims to raise awareness and support for women’s football in Saudi Arabia. With football growing in popularity, particularly among young women, the campaign encourages fans to engage with the sport and support the players. The Women’s Premier League is also benefiting from a wider increase in female participation, with 77,000 female players now involved in the national school league.

SAFF President Yasser Al Misehal highlighted the progress made in recent years. “We’re proud of how far women’s football has come in Saudi Arabia. The investments we’ve made are paying off, and we’re seeing growth at all levels—from grassroots participation to professional leagues. This season represents another step forward, and we look forward to seeing the support for our teams,” he said.

Aalia Al Rasheed, Head of Women’s Football at SAFF, reflected on the league’s progress since its inception. “We’ve gone from having no professional female players to hosting athletes from over 20 countries. It’s been an exciting journey to witness the growth of women’s football in Saudi Arabia, and this season will continue that progress,” she noted. — SG