SEF and Yalla Group partner for Saudi eLeagues 2026 season

Saudi esports just locked a major sponsor, expanded women’s competition, and doubled down on talent pipelines for a stacked 2026 season.

SEF and Yalla Group team up

• The Saudi Esports Federation signed a partnership.
• Yalla Group Limited becomes the official event partner.
• The deal targets Saudi eLeagues 2026.
• Two separate agreements were finalized.

Saudi eLeagues 2026 scope

• The league covers 11 competitive titles.
• Games span PC, console, and mobile.
• It stands as the national esports circuit.
• Event delivery sits with Yalla Group.

Games locked into the league

• Titles include Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2.
• League of Legends and VALORANT are featured.
• Mobile games like PUBG Mobile appear.
• Sports titles like eFootball are included.

Talent development push

• A new Talent Development Program launches.
• Saudi Esports Academy partners on it.
• Players get training and mentorship.
• The aim is pro-level readiness.

Women’s eLeague expansion

• Women’s Saudi eLeague gets extra focus.
• Participation opportunities increase.
• Competitive support structures expand.
• Inclusion becomes a stated priority.

What SEF leadership said

• Ibrahim Alsheddi highlighted regional expertise.
• He stressed league prestige growth.
• World-class delivery was emphasized.
• Fan and player experience mattered.

Yalla Group’s angle

• Saifi Ismail framed long-term commitment.
• National competition support was central.
• Talent growth stayed a key theme.
• Sustainability was the stated goal.

Related moves around SEF

• ESL FACEIT Group opened a Riyadh venue.
• A new regional headquarters was launched.
• SEF signed an agreement with Riot Games.
• Grassroots esports development was targeted.