Saudi Arabia has taken a major step in elevating women’s sports by introducing a dedicated 24-hour women’s sports channel. The new channel, known as SSC AWSN, will broadcast women’s competitions both locally and globally, marking a historic milestone for female athletes in the kingdom.
A Landmark Collaboration
The channel has been launched through a partnership between the Saudi Sports Company, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, and the All Women’s Sports Network (AWSN). AWSN, co-founded by Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg, was established as the world’s first global network exclusively dedicated to women’s sports.
Available through the MBC Shahid streaming platform, the channel will air around-the-clock programming featuring women’s leagues and competitions from Saudi Arabia and abroad.
Saudi Women’s Premier League Goes Global
The launch coincides with the opening of the Saudi Women’s Premier League season, which will be broadcast worldwide for the first time. Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States and a key advocate for women’s participation in sports, praised the initiative.
She noted that since the league’s creation in 2022, it has brought together players from more than 20 countries. Now, fans around the world will be able to watch the games live.
From Restrictions to Opportunities
Until recently, women’s participation in sports faced severe restrictions in the kingdom. Girls were banned from physical education in public schools until 2017, while women were not allowed to enter sports stadiums until 2018. The reversal of these policies opened new doors, and today’s launch represents a dramatic transformation in the country’s sporting landscape.
Aalia Al Rasheed, head of women’s football at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, described the new channel as “a transformative milestone” for female athletes. She emphasized that it would bring Saudi talent international recognition and open opportunities for players to showcase their skills.
International Competitions and Global Reach
The channel’s schedule will feature one Saudi Women’s Premier League match in prime time each week. In addition, it will broadcast prestigious international competitions such as UEFA women’s events and tournaments from other global women’s leagues.
AWSN co-founder and CEO George Chung highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating that it provides both local and international coverage. According to him, the partnership “breaks barriers by giving global visibility to Saudi women’s sports while introducing international leagues to local audiences.”
Vision 2030 and the Future of Women’s Sports
The move aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to diversify the economy beyond oil and strengthen private sector initiatives. The promotion of women’s sports is part of a broader effort to increase social participation and global engagement.
Amill Lone, CEO of the Saudi Sports Company, explained that the partnership not only supports women’s empowerment but also positions Saudi Arabia as an emerging hub for international sports.
The launch of SSC AWSN marks a turning point in the development of women’s sports in Saudi Arabia. By combining local leagues with international tournaments, the channel provides athletes a stage to shine while also promoting global recognition. For Saudi Arabia, it is both a cultural milestone and a step forward in achieving Vision 2030 goals.
