Saudi Arabia Championship. Premier League. Women
The Saudi Women's Premier League is the top tier of women's club football in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, run by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. Launched in 2024, it marks a bold step in the country's sports revolution, featuring 12 teams vying for the national title, AFC Champions League spots, and prestige. This league embodies Saudi Arabia's rapid push to empower women's football, overcoming longstanding cultural hurdles.
History and foundation
The league's roots trace to 2013, when women were first allowed to play football, leading to amateur clubs. The pivotal moment came in 2022 with the federation's announcement of a pro league. The 2024/25 inaugural season includes powerhouses like Al-Ahli, Al-Ittifaq, and Al-Shabab, branched from men's sides. Fun fact: Saudi U-17s reached the 2023 World Cup quarterfinals, fueling momentum. Early seasons saw record crowds, up to 5,000 fans per top match.
Tournament format
Standard format: 12 teams in a double round-robin — home and away, totaling 22 matches. The winner claims the title and AFC Champions League entry; second and third get qualifiers. No playoffs; standings by points, goal difference tiebreaker. Games on state-of-the-art stadiums with women-only sections, running August to May.
Interesting facts
Average goals per game hover at 2.8, favoring counterattacks and set pieces. Top scorers: Zapoura Hussein (Al-Ahli, 9 goals in 10 games) and Layla Al-Ghamdi (Al-Ittifaq, 7). Standouts include goalkeeper Hind Al-Bissi with clutch saves and midfielder Rania Din (Al-Hilal), a assist machine. Imports from Gulf nations boost the talent pool.