When are 2023/24 Saudi Pro League fixtures released?

A whole host of talent is expected to swap Europe's top five leagues for the Middle East ahead of the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League season.

The Saudi Arabian government is determined to establish its country as a genuine force ahead of a potential hosting of either the 2030 or 2034 World Cup and that has been seen with some big recent transfers.

While the additions of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema were massive for the advancement of the Saudi Pro League, some might argue the arrival of Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves boasts similar significance.

Many had regarded the Saudi top flight as a lucrative retirement home for superstars in the twilight of their careers. However, Al Hilal's signing of Portuguese international Neves, who was coveted by the likes of Barcelona, shows that the division has the capacity to attract stars yet to reach their peak.

The upcoming season is one of great intrigue, so here's everything you need to know regarding the fixture release for the 2023/24 season.

When does the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League season start?

The 48th edition of the Saudi Pro League will undoubtedly be the most anticipated in the competition's history, with the first round of fixtures scheduled to start on Friday 11 August 2023 - the same day that the Premier League begins.

The first match of the new campaign pits two of the four newly promoted teams against one another as Al Ahli host Al Hazem at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah.

Ronaldo's Al Nassr do not begin the new campaign until Monday 14 August. Last season's runners-up travel to the Prince Mohammad Bin Fahad ground to face Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq.

Reigning champions Al Ittihad - bolstered by the summer arrivals of Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Jota - also start the defence of their crown on Monday 14 August, going up against Al Raed.

Regional giants Al Hilal, the side that lodged a world-record bid for Kylian Mbappe, face Abha on Monday 14 August in their season opener. Whether the French superstar will be in the lineup at the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Sport City remains to be seen.

When does the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League season end?

The addition of two teams to the Saudi Pro League has extended the length of the season, with the 2023/24 campaign set to conclude on Monday 27 May 2024.

Last season's top two, Al Ittihad and Al Nassr, spearheaded by former Real Madrid teammates Ronaldo and Benzema, meet in a potential title decider on the final day of the campaign - what a convenient finale.

2023/24 Saudi Pro League confirmed teams

18 teams will compete in the Saudi Pro League from 2023/24 - an increase of two teams. Only two teams were relegated from the top flight last season, while four were promoted from the First Division.

Al Ahli, one of the league's 'Big Four', are back in the big time after winning the second tier and have been joined in the Pro League by Al Okhdood, Al Riyadh and Al Hazem.

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