SPL announces revised 2026-27 RSL calendar
The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has released an updated calendar for the 2026-27 Roshn Saudi League (RSL), designed to ease fixture congestion and improve recovery periods for clubs.
The changes follow the rescheduling of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia, allowing RSL matches to be spread more evenly across the remainder of the season.
Following consultation with all 18 clubs, the SPL has confirmed the dates, kick-off times and venues for Matchweeks 13 to 21, covering 81 matches between November 26, 2026, and January 30, 2027.
New dates have also been announced for three postponed Matchweek 9 fixtures. The RSL will therefore resume on November 20 with Asian champions Al Ahli hosting title-holders Al Nassr, while Al Riyadh face Al Hilal and Al Ittihad meet Al Shabab on December 21.
The December fixtures coincide with the Saudi Super Cup, taking advantage of the availability of the four clubs not involved in that competition.
A key change to the calendar sees RSL matches introduced in January, which had originally been left free of league fixtures to accomodate the Asian Cup.
The number of matchweeks scheduled across April and May has also been reduced from 11 to seven, easing congestion during the decisive stages of the season.
For clubs competing in continental competitions, average rest periods between matches are expected to increase from around 3.4 to 4.8 days, bringing them more closely in line with clubs involved only in domestic competitions.
The SPL held workshops with all 18 clubs to review the proposed changes, taking into account domestic and continental commitments, travel requirements and recovery periods.
The original sequence of fixtures remains unchanged, with only match dates adjusted to maintain competitive fairness.
Meanwhile, four matches have been relocated due to scheduled pitch maintenance at two stadiums.
Al Faisaly against Diriyah Club, and Al Fayha against Al Fateh, will move from Al Majma’ah Sports City to King Abdullah Sports City in Buraidah.
The same venue will host Al Hazem against Al Nassr, and Al Kholood against Al Khaleej, with both matches transferred from Al Hazem Club Stadium in Ar Rass.
The venue changes were agreed in coordination with the relevant authorities to allow essential maintenance work to be completed.
The revised calendar aims to balance clubs' competitive commitments with adequate recovery time, while maintaining the quality and fairness of the competition.
The revised fixture list, available in both Arabic and English, can be found below.