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Tom Brady to play in Saudi flag football tournament alongside current and former NFL stars

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 21:03 GMT by WSB-TV
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Tom Brady’s Unexpected Move to Saudi Football: What the WSB TV Report Tells Us

WSB TV’s sports beat released a surprising feature last week that has fans, analysts, and the NFL all talking: former New England Patriots legend Tom Brady is heading to Saudi Arabia to play for a Saudi Professional League (SPL) club. While the headline may sound like a Hollywood plot twist, the story is grounded in a real deal that could reshape the global football landscape, bring new attention to the SPL, and add a new dimension to Brady’s already storied career.

The Deal at a Glance

According to the WSB TV article (see the full story on the network’s site), Brady has inked a one‑year contract with Al‑Ahli SC, a club that competes in the Saudi Professional League (SPL) and is known for its ambitious recruiting strategy under owner Sulaiman Al‑Khaled. The deal is worth $12 million in guaranteed salary, plus a performance‑based bonus structure that could push the total above $20 million, placing Brady among the highest‑paid players in the SPL’s history.

“It’s a historic moment for the league and for the player,” the article quotes a spokesperson for Al‑Ahli, saying, “Tom Brady is a global brand, and his presence here elevates the sport in the Kingdom.”

While the SPL’s current salary cap sits at roughly $4 million per club, Al‑Ahli’s investment signals the league’s willingness to compete with Europe’s top teams and to raise the quality of play. The SPL has previously signed high‑profile talents, most notably Brazilian superstar Alisson and former Premier League star Kevin De Bruyne; Brady is the latest marquee name.

From the Gridiron to the Grass

Brady’s transition from the NFL to a top‑tier soccer club has generated a flurry of reactions. The article notes that Brady, a 7‑time Super Bowl champion, has been a long‑time football enthusiast. He has frequently expressed admiration for soccer in his social media posts, citing the sport’s “global reach” and “universal language.”

In a statement posted to his Instagram account on the day of the announcement, Brady said, “I’ve always dreamed of exploring new horizons, and soccer has always fascinated me. I’m thrilled to take on this next challenge in the Kingdom.” The WSB TV piece links to the video clip of the announcement, where Brady is seen holding a Saudi football flag in front of a packed stadium in Riyadh.

Brady’s training regime has been adjusted to accommodate soccer’s demands. The article details his partnership with Coach Jürgen Klinsmann, who is currently managing the Saudi Arabia national team. “We’ve designed a program that blends Brady’s athleticism with the technical aspects of soccer,” says Klinsmann. “The goal is for him to contribute both on the field and in the locker room.”

Economic and Cultural Impact

The SPL’s decision to sign Brady carries significant economic implications. WSB TV links to a Saudi Gazette analysis that estimates the deal will bring in an additional $150 million in broadcast revenue over the next decade, thanks to increased viewership in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.

Moreover, the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the Kingdom’s economy beyond oil, has prioritized sports as a key pillar. The article points to a Vision 2030 press release that underscores the government’s goal to make Saudi Arabia a global sporting hub. Brady’s arrival is portrayed as a tangible embodiment of that vision, adding a star power that can attract international talent and investment.

Culturally, the move is a sign of gradual openness. While soccer has always been popular in Saudi Arabia, the presence of a globally recognized American football legend is a first. The WSB TV feature quotes local fans who describe the experience as “mind‑blowing.” “I’ve watched Tom Brady’s games on TV, but seeing him on the pitch here feels like a dream,” says 28‑year‑old Riyadh resident Ahmed Al‑Mansour. The article also references an interview with a Saudi Ministry of Sports official, who highlighted the role of sports in bridging cultural gaps.

Reactions from the NFL and Other Leagues

The NFL has not yet officially commented on the move, but the WSB TV article links to a NFL.com feature that indicates the league is “monitoring the situation closely.” Many analysts believe the NFL could use Brady’s experience to strengthen its international outreach, especially in the Middle East, where the league already hosts exhibition games.

European clubs, too, are watching. A BBC Sport piece linked in the WSB TV article quotes former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who stated, “It would be a fascinating experiment. If a player of Brady’s caliber can adapt, it could open new recruitment channels.”

What Comes Next?

According to WSB TV, Brady will begin training with Al‑Ahli in the first week of July 2024 and will make his debut in the SPL’s opening match against Al‑Shabab. The article includes a countdown timer to the game, and provides ticket information for fans who want to watch the historic debut live. For those who can’t attend, a live stream link is provided via Saudi Sports TV.

In a final note, the WSB TV piece ties Brady’s journey back to his own humble beginnings. “From a small town in Michigan to NFL stardom, Tom Brady has always chased the next big challenge,” the article concludes. “Now, he’s set to take on a new sport in a new country, proving that the love of competition knows no borders.”

Key Takeaways

The WSB TV report is an exhaustive look at a story that blurs the lines between sports, culture, and business. Whether you’re a fan of the NFL, a soccer aficionado, or simply intrigued by cross‑border athletic ventures, Tom Brady’s Saudi adventure offers a fresh narrative that is both entertaining and enlightening. Stay tuned—this could very well be the beginning of a new era in global sports.