Al-Nassr Football Club, fully owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), is actively pursuing strategies to address debts exceeding $212 million (SR800 million) through new sponsorships and commercial partnerships, sources familiar with the situation have indicated. These efforts come as part of a broader plan that may include a partial sale of the club.
In a recent development, the Saudi Ministry of Sports transferred its remaining 25 percent stake in Al-Nassr to the PIF earlier this year, bringing the fund's ownership to 100 percent. This move followed the initial acquisition of a 75 percent stake during the summer of 2023, under the kingdom’s investment and privatization program.
Al-Nassr’s financial challenges chiefly stem from decisions made during the 2025-26 season, with the club accumulating significant losses. Reported financial pressures have intensified as the Saudi Professional League imposed strict fiscal oversight, limiting the club’s ability to sign new players during the 2025 summer transfer window. According to available reports, Al-Nassr spent approximately $507 million on player contracts following the summer of 2023 but managed to allocate only $25 million in the recent transfer period.
To stabilize its financial position, the club is focusing on securing commercial partnerships and sponsorship deals that could generate substantial revenue. Concurrently, talks are underway involving a consortium led by U.S.-based Redbird Capital Partners, alongside Saudi investors, aimed at acquiring a stake in Al-Nassr. The alliance reportedly includes Redbird Capital Partners, Saudi Media Co., and businessman Ibrahim Al-Muhaidib, a former president of the club.
A distinctive element of the negotiations stems from a contractual clause granting Al-Nassr’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, the right to acquire up to 20 percent ownership if the club is opened to private investment. Sources close to the consortium have confirmed that Ronaldo is expected to participate as an investor. Portuguese media have reported that the group plans for each member to invest a minimum of $100 million, potentially raising a total of around $500 million.
Redbird Capital Partners, which also has ownership stakes in major European football clubs including Italy’s AC Milan and France’s Toulouse, as well as a significant share in England’s Liverpool, declined to comment on the ongoing discussions.
The potential sale and financial restructuring represent a significant maneuver by Saudi authorities and investors to safeguard the club’s future amid mounting fiscal pressures, aiming to restore financial stability and maintain Al-Nassr’s competitive standing.