Salem Badughaish
Al Hilal Club has solidified its position as a leading force in sports and business within the Middle East and beyond. With a storied history and a forward-looking strategy, the club represents a dynamic blend of athletic excellence, innovative business practices, and societal impact.
A Record of Sporting Excellence Al Hilal Revenue
Founded in 1957, Al Hilal Club has achieved remarkable milestones across various sports. The football team, the centerpiece of the organization, boasts 19 Saudi Professional League titles, four Super Cups, and numerous other championships. The 2023/2024 season was particularly significant, as Al Hilal set a Guinness World Record with 34 consecutive victories in official matches. This dominance extends beyond football to other disciplines, including basketball, tennis, athletics, and esports, highlighting the club's commitment to multi-sport development.
Strategic Business Ventures
Al Hilal's transformation into a closed joint-stock company marks a turning point in its commercial trajectory. The Public Investment Fund’s acquisition of a 75% stake underscores the club’s alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative. This move aims to diversify revenue streams, enhance operational efficiency, and support the club’s infrastructure development, ensuring sustained growth and competitive performance on a global stage.
Commercial Success and Revenue Growth
The club's innovative approach to revenue generation includes sponsorships, merchandising, and matchday experiences. In the 2023/2024 season, Al Hilal reported total revenues of SAR 1.090 billion, with commercial revenues alone reaching SAR 646 million—a 105% increase from the previous season. Sponsorships were the largest income contributor, valued at SAR 440 million, reflecting the club’s strong brand appeal and strategic partnerships with prominent brands like Riyad Bank, Puma, and MasterCard.
The Blue Store, Al Hilal’s e-commerce platform, has revolutionized fan engagement. With over 2 million customers and shipments to 70 countries, it integrates merchandise sales and ticketing, making it a unique offering in the sports e-commerce landscape.
Infrastructure and Fan Engagement
The opening of the Kingdom Arena, a state-of-the-art stadium, marks a milestone in Al Hilal’s infrastructural evolution. The facility is equipped with advanced technologies, catering to diverse audiences through luxury suites, fan shops, and enhanced viewing experiences. Such initiatives reflect the club’s focus on creating unparalleled fan experiences while strengthening its global brand identity.
Al Hilal Academy: Building Future Champions
Established in 2019, the Al Hilal Academy aims to nurture talent and instill values of excellence and discipline. With over 4,000 young athletes engaged, the academy plays a pivotal role in developing future stars for both the club and the Saudi national teams. Programs emphasize holistic development, ensuring athletes receive comprehensive education alongside rigorous sports training. In the 2023/2024 season, the academy generated SAR 34.5 million in revenue with a net profit of SAR 7.7 million.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Beyond sports, Al Hilal’s charitable foundation embodies its commitment to societal well-being. Initiatives like scholarships, housing renovations, and environmental campaigns demonstrate the club’s role as a catalyst for positive change. Notable projects include distributing 10,000 meals during Ramadan, supporting cancer patients through hospital visits and gift donations, and planting 4,600 trees to promote sustainability.
A Vision for Global Leadership
Al Hilal’s vision is clear: to be a leader among international sports clubs by combining athletic success with inspiring leadership and innovative business practices. The club’s strategy emphasizes sustained excellence, community engagement, and global expansion, ensuring its place as a premier institution in the world of sports and business.
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