A groundbreaking streaming service is being launched by the General Sports Authority (GSA) to expand access to MBS League matches around the world.

GSA.Live, which is free to use both in the Middle East and beyond, will enable people to view Saudi Professional League (SPL) – rebranded the MBS League from this season – matches wherever they are, combining live coverage with highlights, match reaction and statistics from all 16 clubs.

The service will provide an alternative means for fans to watch MBS matches rather than single channels only available in certain destinations, expanding the league’s reach to key market regions such as Europe, South America and Australasia.

MBS League

HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki AlFaisal, chairman of the GSA, said: “We’ve listened to football fans and have committed to making the MBS League, and a host of other amazing sport, more accessible on one digital platform. 

“GSA.Live will let us engage with a wider sporting fanbase with innovative technology and premium content from anywhere in the world.”

While KSA Sports will continue their free-to-air coverage of matches in Saudi Arabia, the new streaming service marks a watershed moment in the accessibility of MBS League matches.

Around 90% of Saudis now watch videos on their mobiles each month, with 1.8million people streaming last season’s Riyadh derby between Al Hilal and Al Nassr.

This enhanced offering from the GSA is part of a range of new MBS League initiatives to help it break into the top ten international domestic leagues in the world, making the competition more visible for fans in key areas.

The streaming service is also part of the GSA’s broader Vision 2030 scheme, an initiative seeking to develop the region’s sporting sector and its global prestige.

Former MBS League legends such as Sweden’s Christian Wilhelmsson, Brazil’s Camacho and Kuwait’s Bashar Abdullah helped launch the new streaming platform ahead of the new season at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City.

GSA.Live will be available both online and via a mobile app, with the second round of the SPL beginning on Thursday when champions Al Nassr travel to Al Fateh and Al Hilal play away at Al Raed.