Saudi Esports Federation Teams With Yalla Group for Saudi eLeague 2026

The Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Dubai-based social networking and gaming company Yalla Group Limited for the 2026 season of the Saudi eLeague. Under the terms of the agreement, Yalla Group will serve as the official event partner for the league, with a primary objective of supporting the expansion and development of the Women’s Saudi eLeague. While the financial details of the arrangement remain undisclosed, the collaboration represents a significant effort to bolster the regional gaming ecosystem.

Beyond tournament operations, the partnership includes the establishment of a Talent Development Program in coordination with the Saudi Esports Academy. This initiative aims to provide professional training, mentorship, and practical experience to aspiring Saudi esports athletes, with the broader goal of increasing the Kingdom’s competitiveness on the international stage. The program is designed to bridge the gap between grassroots participation and professional-level play.

The Saudi eLeague, which was launched by the SEF in 2020, encompasses a wide range of popular titles, including PUBG Mobile, Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, League of Legends, Valorant, and Overwatch. The league has seen consistent growth, recently expanding its calendar and diversifying its competitive offerings. The SEF, which operates under the leadership of HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud and receives funding from the Saudi Arabian government’s Public Investment Fund, continues to face scrutiny from international human rights organizations regarding its role in the broader context of the nation's sports and entertainment investments.