Saudi Arabia is set to make history with the launch of its first dedicated Saudi women’s sports channel, a project developed by the All Women’s Sports Network (AWSN) in partnership with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Saudi Sports Company.
The groundbreaking move will officially go live on Friday through the MBC Shahid streaming platform, bringing 24/7 coverage of women’s sports to audiences in the Kingdom and abroad.
Co-founded by Oscar-winning actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg, AWSN was introduced last year as the world’s first media network focusing solely on women’s sports. Its arrival in Saudi Arabia marks a new era of visibility and recognition for female athletes, who for decades were sidelined due to restrictions on women’s participation in sports and access to stadiums.
These barriers began to fade after 2017 under the leadership of Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud, who has been instrumental in championing women’s sports.
The launch of the channel comes alongside the start of the Saudi Women’s Premier League season, which will, for the first time, be broadcast not only domestically but also to global audiences. Princess Reema expressed pride in the league’s progress since 2022, highlighting the diverse talent pool, with players representing more than 20 different nationalities.
Aalia Al Rasheed, head of women’s football at the federation, emphasized that the live broadcasts will be a turning point for athletes, granting them international exposure and recognition.
According to AWSN, the new channel will showcase a weekly prime-time Saudi Women’s Premier League match in addition to major international competitions, including UEFA tournaments and other leading women’s leagues worldwide.
“Together, we are breaking boundaries by offering Saudi women’s sports the global stage it deserves,” AWSN CEO George Chung stated, underscoring the mission to spotlight female athletes both locally and internationally.
Read More: ICC Names All-Women Panel for Cricket World Cup Matches
This partnership aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy and elevate the country’s profile in global sports. Amill Lone, CEO of the Saudi Sports Company, said the collaboration will provide a sustainable platform for women’s sports while also attracting international investment opportunities.
