MLS vs Saudi Pro League: Which league is better?

Both the MLS and Saudi Pro League have made significant improvements to raise the quality and profile of their respective leagues. Despite operating under distinct rules and regulations, both leagues share the common goal of improving their global appeal. In recent years, both federations have made significant efforts to attract global superstars to their leagues. Let’s take a closer look to determine which league is operating more effectively to elevate its level.

Wage Cap

MLS

Major League Soccer operates under a salary cap system, where clubs have to abide by these financial rules when signing a new player. An average salary cap in the MLS is $500k- $1m a year, unless the player is signed under the designated player rule. This rule allows each club to sign up to three designated players annually, enabling them to exceed the salary cap for these players. For instance, Lionel Messi and Lorenzo Insigne are earning multi-million dollar salaries, with Messi earning a staggering amount of $60m a year including endorsements. The MLS enforces this wage cap to promote financial stability among its clubs.

SPL

The Saudi Pro League does not operate under a salary cap, allowing clubs to offer exceptionally high wages to soccer superstars from around the world. The average salary of a Saudi player is $1.5m a year, with global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar over $200m a year, including commercial agreements and image rights. Additionally, clubs receive financial support from the government, enabling them to fund transfers and contracts for elite players.

Stadium Atmospheres

MLS

Most MLS stadiums are modern, designed with a strong emphasis on fan experience. Stadiums like Lumen Field (Seattle Sounders) and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta United) are among the best in the U.S, providing a unique matchday experience like no other. In 2024, the MLS set a record-breaking average attendance of 23,250 per game, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous year. For the first-time, the league surpassed 11 million total attendees in a single season. These diverse fan bases create unique atmospheres, with organized supporter groups playing a key role in creating unforgettable experiences influenced by North American cultures.

Seattle Sounders Pre-Match Atmosphere

SPL

Stadiums in the Saudi Pro League range from modern facilities to less developed stadiums. The King Abdullah Sports City, one of the most advanced stadiums in Saudi Arabia, stands out as a premier example of modern infrastructure. During the 2024-25 season, the average attendance across the league was 8,050, with notable disparities among clubs. Top SPL teams like Al Ahli SFC and Al Hilal recorded significantly higher averages, attracting 24,370 and 21,824 fans per match, respectively. Fan engagement is growing, but atmospheres are less consistent compared to MLS, as SPL is still building its local and international fan base. 

Al Nassr supporters supporting their team

Which league attracts more superstars?

MLS

In the beginning, MLS was often seen as a destination for superstars in their late 30's. David Beckham one of the first superstars to join the league in 2007, drawing attention from around the world. Another notable arrival was Zlatan Ibrahimović, who announced his presence in MLS with a stunning hat-trick on his debut, proving he could still perform at the highest level. However, MLS clubs are now shifting their strategy, focusing on attracting younger talents to play alongside established global superstars. Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami shows that the league is becoming a viable option for top players earlier in their careers, rather than just at the end.

David Beckham in action for LA Galaxy

SPL

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) is currently making waves in the soccer world, dominating when it comes to acquiring big-name players. This success is largely due to the league's ability to offer massive financial packages that attract top talent. Last year, clubs spent much less, where in 2023, around $1b where spent across all SPL clubs. In 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr, becoming the highest paid player in the world. These paved the way to other big names such as Neymar Jr, N'golo Kante and Karim Benzema. In 2024, clubs spent around $480m in the window, reflecting a strategic shift toward more sustainable growth.  This decrease in expenditure aligns with a strategic shift towards more sustainable growth within the league. 

Neymar Jr in action for Al Hilal

Best Players

MLS

MLS clubs have focused on signing global superstars while simultaneously developing young talent. Recent high-profile signings were former FC Barcelona stars Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, all reuniting at Inter Miami. Other stars were Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, reuniting at Toronto FC. MLS combines experience with promising prospects, creating a balance between established players and player development. One standout player who has taken the league by storm is former Liverpool striker Christian Benteke, now showcasing his talent at D.C. United. 

Lionel Messi in action for Inter Miami

SPL

The Saudi Pro League is actively pursuing top tier players especially those in their prime. Over these past two years, they managed to attract global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr, N'Golo Kante, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane. The SPL is prioritizing the signing of global icons to boost the league's profile rapidly. Before Ronaldo’s move, the league was largely unnoticed by soccer fans. Given the massive financial packages on offer, it’s likely that the SPL will continue to attract more superstars in the future.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating after scoring for Al Nassr

When putting everything together, I believe that MLS is still a better league than SPL because they play better soccer, amazing stadium atmospheres, and modern facilities. The SPL is improving, especially with the recent addition of soccer stars, but I think there is still much work to be done before it reaches the same level as MLS.

Which league do you think will be dominating in the upcoming years?