SPL announces 2026-27 RSL fixture schedule | OneFootball

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has confirmed the fixture schedule for the 2026-27 Roshn Saudi League season, with the campaign set to begin on August 13, 2026, and conclude on May 29, 2027.

The 34-round season will feature 306 matches, with the fixture list finalised on Friday following a workshop attended by all clubs. During the session, the SPL presented the scheduling methodology and the wider sporting calendar, while clubs were also invited to submit requests regarding match sequencing and scheduling before the fixtures were approved.

The 2026-27 calendar has been developed against the backdrop of an exceptionally demanding season, with eight RSL clubs competing across four international competitions, alongside FIFA international windows, Saudi Arabia national team commitments and the Kingdom's hosting of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

As a result of these overlapping commitments, only 102 available matchdays were available to accommodate the league's 306 fixtures.

To ensure a balanced and competitive schedule, the fixture list was created using 10 key scheduling criteria. Among the most significant are that no club will play more than two consecutive home or away matches, while every club will play one home and one away fixture across the opening and closing two rounds of the 2026-27 campaign.

In addition, all clubs are guaranteed a minimum rest period of two days between consecutive matches, regardless of the competition in which they are participating.

As part of the scheduling process, clubs were divided into four competitive tiers to help distribute fixtures evenly and avoid prolonged sequences against the strongest opposition. Under this model, no club will face a "Level A" opponent in consecutive league rounds.

The classifications are as follows:

Level A: Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ahli, Al Qadsiah and Al Ittihad

Level B: Al Taawoun, Al Ettifaq, Al Fateh, Al Khaleej and Al Shabab

Level C:  NEOM Sports Club, Al Hazem, Al Fayha and Al Kholood,

Level D: Al Riyadh, Abha, Al Faisaly and Diriyah FC

The rankings were determined using a sporting performance model based on results from the previous three seasons, with greater weighting given to the most recent campaign to provide a balanced and objective basis for the scheduling process.

Operational considerations also played a key role, including stadium availability and venue requirements arising from the Kingdom's hosting of regional, continental and international events.

The SPL confirmed that the fixture schedule has been designed to strike the best possible balance between sporting integrity, competitive fairness, club participation across multiple competitions, stadium operations and the overall fan experience.