Amateur or Professional? Saudi Pro League's Overcrowded Kit Sponsors
Sep 4, 2023, by Chris
Saudi Arabia's football ambition is to become one of the top 5 leagues in the world. But what doesn't align with their mission is the kits worn by many of their football teams.
Up to 4 Front Shirts - Saudi Pro League Allow More Sponsors Than Any Other Top League
Most of the major European football leagues and also the Champions League, allow only one or two front sponsors (Italy, France). However, the Saudi Pro League permit up to four front sponsors which makes the kits of the teams look amateurish rather than professional. This practice undermines the league's ambition to become one of the top football leagues in the world.
Saudi teams surely do not rely on the income from these shirt sponsors
Saudi Pro League - Al-Hilal - 6 Kit Sponsors
Saudi Pro League - Up to 4 Front-of-Shirt Sponsors
All major US sports leagues, including basketball, ice hockey, baseball, and NFL, prohibit or only allow small sponsors on team jerseys. In contrast, some Saudi Arabian football club kits resemble Formula 1 suits.
The overcrowded kits could be something that the Saudi Pro League will address, as they make some teams look not professional.
CR7's Al Nassr manage it well, Henderson's Al-Ettifaq not
Some teams, such as CR7's Al Nassr, manage to incorporate their two sponsors in the kit quite well, resulting in a nice overall look. On the other hand, teams like Jordan Henderson's Al-Ettifaq do a worse job, resulting in their kit appearing similar to those of lower-division teams from Austria.
It is reported that Saudi Arabia also want to compete in the UEFA Champions League. Currently, they, of course, compete in the Asian Champions League. The Asian Champions League only allow teams to have one main sponsor, which is even less than the UEFA Champions League. It already gives us a preview of what we might can expect in the Saudi Pro League in the future.
It is also odd that many Saudi Arabian teams played with sponsorless kits in pre-season, and some also sell their kits without any sponsors.
Do you think the Saudi Pro League will reduce the number of sponsors? Are overcrowded kit sponsors a sign of amateurism in football, or can professional teams have up to four front-of-shirt sponsors? Let us know in the comments below.
Machida Zelvia 26-27 Away Kit Revealed
Following the launch of their home kit in early June, J1 League side Machida Zelvia have officially revealed their new Adidas away and goalkeeper kits for the 2026-27 season.
The release builds upon the design language established by the home shirt, which introduced a deep blue base accented with metallic gold details and a sharp geometric 'Pulse of Machida' graphic across the chest—an Adidas pattern also utilized by Rosenborg BK and the Faroe Islands.
Cancún FC 26-27 'Dark Cenote' Special Kit Released
Mexican club Cancún FC has released its new 2026-27 'Dark Cenote' special kit, produced by Adidas. Serving as a dark counterpart to the previously announced 'Cenote' third kit, the new jersey pays homage to the state of Quintana Roo and the extensive network of cenotes that has united the Mexican Caribbean region for thousands of years.
The shirt debuted on the pitch on July 3, 2026, and is available for purchase through the club's official physical and online stores until stock runs out.
Doncaster Rovers 26-27 Away Kit Released
The new Doncaster Rovers 26-27 away kit has been officially released, produced by Oxen Sports for the upcoming League One campaign. Celebrating the city's rich engineering heritage, the design is heavily inspired by the iconic Mallard locomotive, paying tribute to the famous Made in Doncaster train. The shirt features a unique color palette drawing directly from the historic steam engine, and as a special nod to its railway theme, the kit even includes a bespoke train ticket swing tag.
Eintracht Braunschweig 26-27 Home Kit Released
Eintracht Braunschweig has officially unveiled its new 2026-27 home kit, produced by Umbro. The launch was accompanied by the slogan 'Auf der Haut. Unter der Haut.' (On the skin. Under the skin.), highlighting the deep connection between the club and its supporters.
The Umbro Eintracht Braunschweig 2026-27 home jersey features the club's traditional blue and yellow colors. A notable design element is the inclusion of lion motifs across the shirt, paying tribute to the club's nickname, "Die Löwen" (The Lions), and creating a bespoke look for the 2. Bundesliga side.
The Eintracht Braunschweig 2026-27 home kit is available to purchase now through the club's official online shop and physical stores.
The upcoming Adidas River Plate 26-27 away kit is a masterpiece. Mockup of how it will look on the pitch.
AFC Wimbledon 26-27 Home Kit Released
The new AFC Wimbledon 2026-27 home kit was officially released today. Made by Lotto, the new kit features the club's traditional colors and will be available to purchase from July 4.
The Lotto AFC Wimbledon 2026-27 home shirt introduces a bespoke look in blue and yellow. The standout feature of the design is the extensive use of the Lotto logo, which is repeated continuously around the collar and the sleeve cuffs.
This repeated logo detailing on the collar and cuffs gives the shirt a distinct retro feel, but it breaks standard equipment regulations for European competitions. Due to the excessive branding, the AFC Wimbledon 2026-27 home kit would not be allowed to be worn in UEFA competitions, but EFL apparently allowed it.
We have a new image of the Adidas River Plate 26-27 home kit in the authentic version.
