SPL launches second phase of PACE programme until 2030

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has announced the launch of the second phase of its Player Acquisition Centre of Excellence (PACE) programme and the implementation of a new allocation mechanism.

The programme represents part of the PACE transition towards a clearer and more sustainable model that strengthens club competitiveness and enhances clubs’ responsibility for their long-term sporting and commercial growth.

The launch of the second phase builds on the SPL Transformation Strategy introduced in early 2023, which aims to enhance the quality of competition, strengthen the league’s international profile, and support clubs in developing their sporting and commercial capabilities.

In turn, this reinforces the SPL’s position among the world’s leading leagues.

During its first phase, the PACE programme, which provides a centralised approach to transfers while also assisting with squad mapping and player care, contributed to several positive indicators, including a 221 percent increase in the total market value of league clubs.

The SPL also experienced a 353% increase in combined club and commercial revenues, a 115% increase in the league’s central commercial revenues and a 5.63-point growth in its league power-ranking score. This metric measures direct comparison of league competitiveness in countries across the world.

This competitive development has also been reflected in the continental and regional performances of Saudi clubs, including Al Shabab reaching last month’s Gulf Club Champions Cup final and Al Ahli winning a second successive AFC Champions League Elite title.

Also, Al Nassr continued their continental campaign by securing a place in final of the AFC Champions League Two. That match takes place in Riyadh later this month.

The new mechanism is based on four core allocation criteria: an equal share distributed across all clubs representing 22% of the total budget; sporting performance representing 22%; television viewership 28%; and commercial performance 28%.

The mechanism provides a clearer framework linking allocations to each club’s sporting and commercial value, together with performance.

The SPL confirmed that the second phase represents a natural evolution of the programme following three years of implementation, transitioning from a market-establishment phase focused on opening new recruitment opportunities into a more mature phase centred on governance, clearer criteria, and long-term sustainability.

It also gives clubs greater responsibility in planning and maximising the impact of their sporting and commercial investments.

Omar Mugharbel, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Pro League, said: "Every successful programme reaches a stage where it must evolve, because success itself creates higher standards and greater expectations.

"Over the past three years, the market has evolved, clubs have evolved, and expectations have evolved. It was only natural for the mechanism to evolve alongside them.

"The second phase of PACE builds on what has already been achieved and moves the programme towards a clearer and more sustainable model that links sporting and commercial performance with club growth. It also gives clubs greater responsibility in shaping their own trajectory."

The CEO added: "Our objective is to empower clubs to plan for the long term, strengthen competitiveness, and increase the overall value of the league in a way that enhances both the sporting product and the fan experience."