New Al-Khoolood Owner Criticizes “Meaningless” & Horrific-Looking Kit Sponsors in Saudi Pro League
- New Owner: American investor Ben Harburg, has become the first foreign owner in the Saudi Pro League after taking over Al-Khoolood Club.
- Sponsorship Criticism: Harburg criticized the global football sponsorship model as unregulated, monopolistic and superficial, suggesting it brings no real value.
- New Sponsorship Approach: Harburg plans to involve the Al-Khoolood community in the sponsorship process, ensuring transparency and direct investment in the team, staff, and infrastructure.
American investor Ben Harburg, who recently became the first foreign owner in the Saudi Pro League after taking over Al-Khoolood Club, has made headlines for his strong stance on football sponsorships.
Ben Harburg of Al-Khoolood Searches For Aesthetic New Sponsor
In a detailed post, Harburg criticized the global football sponsorship model as “unregulated,” “monopolistic,” and “superficial,” arguing that most deals bring “no real value” to either clubs or sponsors. Instead, he outlined a plan for Al-Khoolood to involve its community directly in the sponsorship process, emphasizing transparency and mutual benefit.
Harburg did call out the "global football sponsorship model," but it’s clear that he had the Saudi Pro League in mind. Freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia is restricted, so he needs to be cautious.
Al-Khoolood 25-26 Kits
The statement came alongside an image of Al-Khoolood’s sponsor-free kit, featuring the later-added Arabic phrase “شعارك هنا” (“Your logo here”) - a symbolic invitation to potential partners. The club’s clean look stands in sharp contrast to the cluttered, logo-filled shirts that have become common across the Saudi Pro League and widely disliked by fans.
Harburg insists that every riyal from sponsorships will go directly toward developing the team, staff, and infrastructure, rather than flashy branding.
Could this approach mark a new era for sponsorships in Saudi football? Let us know in the comments below.
FC Machida Zelvia 26-27 Home Kit Released
Japanese J1 League side FC Machida Zelvia has officially released its new home kit for the 2026-2027 season.
The Adidas FC Machida Zelvia 26-27 home shirt is anchored by the club's traditional deep blue base color, which is elevated by a striking, sharp geometric graphic across the upper chest. This graphic is not bespoke but a new streamlined graphic by Adidas, also used by the Faroes Islands.
To provide a premium contrast, metallic gold is heavily utilized for the classic Three Stripes on the shoulders, the collar and cuff trim, and the Adidas logo itself. The primary "CyberAgent" sponsor, along with secondary collarbone partners, are applied in white.
Barcelona 26-27 Third Training Leaked
Barcelona shirt insider @memorabilia1899 gives us a a look at the Barça Third Elite Drill Top 26-27, matching the 26-27 third kit colors.
St. Gallen 2026-27 Third Kit Released
St. Gallen has released the new 26-27 third kit, made by Puma.
The Puma FC St. Gallen 2026-27 third jersey features a predominantly white base, highlighted by two distinct chest stripes in different shades of green. This crisp color combination stays true to the club's traditional identity while offering a unique variation for their change kit. The Puma logo and club crest are prominently displayed on the chest, completing the sleek look of the shirt.
