RIYADH — The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has released on Tuesday the full fixture list for the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League (RSL), setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most competitive seasons in the league's history. The new campaign kicks off on Thursday, August 28, with marquee matchups and derby drama arriving from the opening whistle. Title defence and high-profile debuts Defending champions Al Ittihad open their campaign on the road against Al Okhdood before returning home to face Al Fateh and bitter rivals Al Nassr in Matchweek 3. Their early run also includes a trip to newly promoted Al Najmah before a Matchweek 6 Saudi Clasico showdown with Al Hilal in Jeddah. Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr begin away to Al Taawoun, one of last season's surprise packages, and face Al Ittihad in Jeddah in Matchweek 4. A home meeting with ambitious newcomers NEOM SC follows in Matchweek 8. Al Hilal, coming off a historic run to the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals, start with a city derby against Al Riyadh before facing Al Qadsiah at home and Al Ahli away in Matchweek 3. The Riyadh giants then travel to Jeddah for the Clasico against Al Ittihad in Matchweek 6. NEOM SC make top-flight bow Promoted NEOM SC, dominant in last season's Saudi First Division, open away to Al Ahli in Jeddah. The Tabuk-based side have made a statement in the transfer market, signing former Arsenal captain Alexandre Lacazette, goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, and rising midfield star Amadou Kone under new coach Christophe Galtier. Derbies and rivalry dates * Capital Derby: Al Hilal vs Al Nassr — Matchweek 15 (Hilal home) and Matchweek 32 (Nassr home) * Sea Derby: Al Ittihad vs Al Ahli — Matchweek 8 (Ittihad home) and Matchweek 25 (Ahli home) * Eastern Province Derby: Al Qadsiah vs Al Ettifaq — Matchweek 9 (Qadsiah home) and Matchweek 26 (Ettifaq home) * Saudi Clasico: Al Ittihad vs Al Hilal — Matchweek 6 (Ittihad home) and Matchweek 23 (Hilal home) Storylines to follow Al Shabab will be banking on a home-heavy start to propel Abderrazak Hamdallah toward the RSL's all-time scoring record, needing just five goals to match Omar Al Somah's tally of 155. Meanwhile, Pericles Chamusca returns to Al Taawoun after guiding NEOM SC to promotion, with a favourable early schedule offering a chance to build momentum. The league enters the season riding a wave of growth — last year saw record broadcast deals in 183 territories and over 2.5 million fans attending matches, alongside a 200 percent surge in international sponsorship revenue. With heavyweight clashes, fresh challengers, and a packed calendar of rivalry games, the 2025-26 RSL season promises to deliver high-octane football from the first whistle to the last.
