The country is fast becoming a global hub for sports and entertainment, and IMG Studios is at the forefront of this transformation, pairing international expertise with local partnerships to enhance productions, grow audiences, and develop homegrown talent across the Kingdom.

The five-year production partnership between the Saudi Pro League, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, and IMG, which began last year and will run until the 2028/29 season, covers the ROSHN Saudi League, the King’s Cup, and the Saudi Super Cup.

The goal is to deploy remote production capabilities to cover multiple matches across the country simultaneously, providing consistent, high-quality storytelling for a league on the rise.

IMG has also partnered with Riyadh-based production company Alamiya Media to combine local knowledge with global capability, ensuring superior coverage while nurturing production talent on the ground.

This collaboration has expanded the league’s reach, distributing SPL media rights internationally and allowing the Kingdom’s football stars to be watched by fans around the world.

During Matchweek 1 at the end of August, IMG’s young Saudi production team coordinated over 100 flights for nine matches across the country, showcasing the next generation of production managers, producers, and directors ready to lead the industry.

Last season, SPL matches were broadcast in more than 184 countries across 43 platforms, highlighting how IMG’s production expertise is helping build a compelling sports product in the heart of the Middle East.

Efficiency and creativity are key to deploying remote production across a busy match calendar. The partnership aims to implement advanced remote workflows so senior producers can oversee multiple venues in a single day while centralizing quality control and graphics.

This is supported by IMG’s Stockley Park facility in London, one of Europe’s best-connected broadcast hubs, ensuring consistency across cameras, communications, and creative assets.

Consistency is essential for building brand equity, creating new storytelling formats, and connecting stars, clubs, and culture to global audiences.

IMG’s approach extends beyond football, as seen at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, which featured 2,000 elite players from 100 countries, alongside community tournaments, live music, retro arcades, and creator studios.

IMG enhanced coverage with EWC Spotlight, a custom-built studio show giving fans behind-the-scenes content and celebrity interviews, featuring guests like Stranger Things actor David Harbour, F1 driver Lando Norris, and Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal.

EWC Spotlight exemplified how Saudi-based events can reach both core and mainstream audiences worldwide, with broadcasts carried by major partners including beIN, Fox Sports, DAZN, and ITVx, highlighting the importance of locally embedded production teams.

IMG also produces the world feed for the Saudi Cup, the most valuable horse race globally, delivering a “Golden Hour” program blending culture and competition. The broadcast reached over 170 territories via 30+ international broadcasters, with cinematic visuals and graphics that honor the event’s Saudi identity.

Whether in football, esports, or horse racing, IMG Studios’ strategy in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region consistently combines global expertise with local capability, innovates formats to attract new fans, and ensures content reaches international audiences.

Multi-year partnerships across the SPL, EWC, and prestige race days have already laid strong foundations, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global sports and entertainment hub and demonstrating how Vision 2030 is transforming the Kingdom into a center of excellence for world-class productions while developing the next generation of creative and technical talent.

The event, held at the iconic Tokyo Racecourse, marked not only a thrilling chapter in horse racing but also a meaningful symbol of the growing friendship between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

Amid light drizzle and overcast skies, excitement filled the air as jockey Rusei Sakai led Ecolo Alba to a stunning win in the 1,600-meter race for two-year-olds.

Trained by Yasuhito Tamura, the colt showcased incredible stamina and precision, crossing the finish line 1.5 lengths ahead of Galilea, while the favorite, Zoro Astro, finished close behind in third.

Speaking after the race, Sakai expressed immense pride in the victory, calling it “a strong race and a special win.” He admitted feeling anxious in the early stages but credited Ecolo Alba’s steady rhythm and determination for the remarkable comeback.

The crowd responded with thunderous applause as the duo claimed a well-deserved triumph, capturing the spirit of excellence that defines the Saudi Arabia Royal Cup.

The event was graced by the presence of Abdullah Alaseeri, Secretary General of the Saudi Equestrian Authority, alongside Mohamed Al Khatham, Deputy Secretary General, and Anas Alnowaiser, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.

Their attendance underscored the significance of the event as more than just a sporting competition — it was a reflection of the enduring partnership between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

In his remarks, Alaseeri emphasized the symbolic importance of the race, which was first initiated by the late King Abdullah to strengthen international cultural and sporting ties.

“This is a momentous occasion and a reflection of our strong diplomatic relationship with Japan,” he said. “We look forward to deepening our collaboration in many fields. The Saudi Arabia Royal Cup is a bridge of friendship between our two nations, celebrating both our traditions and our shared vision for the future.”

As Alaseeri proudly handed the gleaming trophy to the winning team, cheers erupted across the racecourse. The audience — a mix of diplomats, officials, and fans — applauded not only the thrilling performance but also the spirit of unity that the event represented. The ceremony began with the national anthems of both Japan and Saudi Arabia, symbolizing mutual respect and the growing cooperation between the two countries.

Hidenori Takagi, Manager of the Tokyo Racecourse, welcomed the guests and highlighted the evolving collaboration between the Japan Racing Association, the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, and both nations’ horse racing industries. He described the Royal Cup as “a shining example of how sports can bring cultures closer together.”

Adding to the atmosphere of celebration, Hideki Hagiwara, Counselor at Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), noted that horse racing in Japan continues to flourish under MAFF’s regulation.

He also referenced a proud moment earlier this year when a Japanese horse claimed victory at the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race held in Riyadh. To honor that achievement, MAFF and the Saudi Embassy collaborated on a food promotion event at the racecourse, offering guests the chance to enjoy authentic halal cuisine and meet producers showcasing their goods.

Ecolo Alba’s story adds another layer to this success. Purchased for ¥77 million at the Chiba auction, the colt made an impressive debut in July, winning its first race by two and a half lengths. Saturday’s victory now cements its reputation as one of Japan’s most promising young racehorses.

Beyond the racetrack, the Saudi Arabia Royal Cup continues to stand as a symbol of shared respect, sports diplomacy, and cultural exchange. What began as an initiative to strengthen bilateral ties has grown into a prestigious event that brings together people from diverse backgrounds under a single passion — the love of equestrian sport.

As Ecolo Alba’s triumph echoes through Tokyo, it reflects a deeper narrative — one of partnership, progress, and promise between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

With both nations committed to fostering stronger connections through sports, innovation, and culture, the Royal Cup serves as a shining reminder that when tradition meets teamwork, the result is nothing short of extraordinary.