From the first whistle: yes, the Saudi Pro League does have relegation. At the end of each season, the three lowest-placed teams drop down to the First Division League, while teams.
What is the Saudi Pro League
The Saudi Pro League is the top tier of professional men’s football in Saudi Arabia.
Key facts:
- There are 18 clubs competing in the league since the 2023-24 season.
- The season runs roughly.
- Clubs play a double round-robin: each team plays every other team twice (home and away), totaling 34 matches.
How relegation works in the Saudi Pro League
Here is the breakdown of the current promotion and relegation system:
1. Who gets relegated: The bottom three teams in the Saudi Pro League standings at the end of the season are relegated to the Saudi First Division League (also called the FD League).
2. How many promoted, three teams go up each season:
- The top two finishers in the First Division are promoted automatically.
- The third promotion spot is decided through play-offs among teams finishing.
3. Tie-breakers / Ranking within league: If teams are level on points, ranking is determined first by head-to-head record, then by goal difference.
Recent examples & impact
To bring that into sharp focus, here are recent seasons that show how relegation has played out:
- In the 2024-25 season, the three teams relegated from the Pro League were Al-Raed, Al-Orobah, and Al-Wehda. They all dropped to the First Division.
- In that same season, the three promoted teams were Neom, Al-Najma, and Al-Hazem. The last one (Al-Hazem) claimed their spot via the promotion play-offs.
- In earlier seasons (e.g. 2023-24), the bottom three similarly dropped: Al-Hazem, Abha, Al-Tai were relegated after finishing in the lowest positions.
These shifts are more than just numbers: relegation hits clubs’ finances, fan morale, sponsorship revenue, and also influences player transfers. It creates dramatic tension especially late in the season, as clubs fight to avoid the drop.
Why relegation matters
Here are some of the effects and reasons relegation plays such an important role:
- Competitiveness: Knowing that the bottom three will go down ensures that even teams in mid or lower table must stay motivated. The threat of relegation means every match counts.
- Promotion hope: Clubs in the First Division have real stakes — finishing first or second, or making play-offs, gives them the chance to rise. That creates pathways for growth and investment.
- Fan engagement: Relegation battles are often as gripping as title races. Fans rally, rivalries intensify, and dramatic moments are built into the structure.
Historical perspective & structure changes
The system hasn’t always been static; Saudi football has evolved:
- The league expanded from 16 teams to 18 teams starting in the 2023-24 season.
- The promotion/relegation rules have been adjusted to accommodate that expansion. For example, more teams moving between divisions when the size changed, and modifications in play-off spots.
- Certain clubs have never been relegated. That consistency adds prestige and often contrast with those that are yo-yo clubs.
Common questions about relegation in the Saudi Pro League
|
Question |
Answer |
|
Do all three relegated teams always go down automatically? |
Yes — bottom three are automatically relegated. There are no relegation play-offs. |
|
Is there ever a case of reprieve (e.g. team spared)? |
Rare, but non-sporting issues (licensing, ineligible players) have played roles. But in general, performance is the main determiner. |
|
Are there promotion play-offs in the Pro League? |
Not for relegation. Promotion play-offs exist in the First Division to select the third promoted club. |
What’s at stake this season
As of the current (2025-26) season:
- 18 clubs are competing.
- Three will still be relegated at the end of the season. Teams near the bottom will be under pressure in final matchdays.
- Meanwhile, First Division League clubs are eyeing the top two automatic promotion spots or the play-offs to get back to the top flight.
Conclusion
Does Saudi Pro League have relegation? Absolutely yes — the bottom three teams drop to the First Division at season’s end, while the top side(s).
If you’re following a team battling the drop or chasing promotion, this rule means no match is ever a throwaway. Want to track which clubs are in danger this season, or how the promotion play-offs work exactly? Stay with BraeckBall for match previews, relegation zone analysis, and up-to-date league tables.
