Days After Neymar Jr Credited Cristiano Ronaldo for Saudi League Transformation, SPL Director Reveals A Massive Revenue Increase

Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr, he has completely transformed the fortunes of the Saudi Premier League. Though CR7 stood as the sole star player in the league last year, this year presents a stark contrast, with the five-time Ballon d’Or victor successfully enticing several prominent European stars to join the league.

The league has witnessed a remarkable surge in commercials within a brief period, astonishing soccer analysts globally. Adding more weight to this phenomenon today, SPL Director Carlo Nohra unveiled how CR7’s contribution has amplified media coverage and exponentially boosted broadcast revenue.

SPL Director reveals CR7 impact has increased the leagues’s broadcast revenues by 650%

Hours ago, the Saudi Premier League posted their director of operation’s statement on CR7’s commercial impact on social media. As per Carlo Nohra, within a span of 12 months, SPL is now broadcast in around 140 countries. Moreover, the broadcast revenues have increased by a whopping 650% thanks to CR7’s influence in bringing more European players.

“Matches are now broadcast in around 140 countries and broadcast revenues have increased by 650% since Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo joined the league after leaving Manchester United last year,” said Carlo Nohra. While these numbers pale in front of the Premier League’s reported broadcast revenue earnings of $5.1 billion, nonetheless, achieving a mammoth increase like this in such a short time is sensational and rarely seen.

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Interestingly, these comments come days after Neymar Jr. publicly thanked Cristiano Ronaldo for transforming the league and paving the way for him.

Neymar Jr. credits Cristiano Ronaldo for Saudi League transformation

After CR7, perhaps one player who shocked the most with the move to Saudi was Neymar Jr. While many questioned the Brazilian’s ambitions and motivations, the ex-PSG star silenced all his critics by revealing what motivated him to come to SPL. According to Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo played a crucial role in inspiring him to take the leap. Without CR7’s transformative influence in enhancing the league’s caliber, the Brazilian athlete wouldn’t have felt enticed to be a participant.

“I believe Cristiano Ronaldo started all of this and everybody called him ‘crazy’, and this and that. Today you see the league grow more and more,” said Neymar.“It is exciting, meeting top-quality players on the other teams thrills you and motivates you to play even better. And it is a given when you face Ronaldo, Benzema, (Roberto) Firmino, that the excitement is even greater,” the Brazilian said.

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Do you agree with Neymar and Carlo’s statements? Or is it money that’s enticing players? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!