Opta's 6 November 2026 update ranked the Saudi league 38th in the world, giving its competition a place in the global league ranking and an average score.
Rating and position
The Opta network gave the Saudi league an average rating of 74.7 points and placed it behind the Polish and Peruvian leagues. England topped the list, followed by Spain, Germany, Italy and France.
How league competitiveness is assessed
Enrico Turcato said the ranking hinges on how competitive the entire league is, including the number of teams operating at an elite level and how intensely they contest matches.
Al-Faraj on Saudi clubs
Saudi media figure Waleed Al-Faraj said on Saturday that only four clubs in Saudi Arabia represent the pillars of following, attendance, marketing and money, while the rest complete the league. Answering a viewer's question about why the focus always lands on the Kingdom's big four, he said: "The stands are empty."
Al-Faraj said: "I respect and appreciate all the clubs, but do you think the 18 clubs of the league have the same impact?"
He also said: "Proving one's presence is not by raising one's voice, but by attendance inside the stadium."
