Al-Ajlan Reveals Date for Al-Waleed bin Talal’s Al-Hilal Acquisition Agreement

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is nearing the completion of a historic acquisition of Al Hilal, a move that marks the first full private takeover of a major football club in Saudi Arabia. The deal, valued at approximately $2 billion, involves the acquisition of 100% ownership of the club.

The acquisition is being facilitated through the Kingdom Holding Company, an investment firm owned by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. Reports from December 2025 indicated that the transaction was in its final stages, with the official announcement of the completion expected before the end of December 2025.

Transition from Public Investment Fund Ownership

Al Hilal is one of the four largest clubs in Saudi Arabia, alongside Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli. Since 2023, these four clubs had been under the ownership of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The shift toward private ownership follows reports from August 22, 2025, which stated that the PIF had placed these four clubs up for sale. This strategic move was reportedly part of a broader plan to slow down spending within the league.

Deal Timeline and Confirmations

Details regarding the takeover emerged through several reports in December 2025. On December 11, 2025, Ahmed Al-Ajlan indicated that Prince Alwaleed bin Talal was preparing to announce the full acquisition of the club.

By December 14, 2025, reporting from Khaberni noted that circulating data pointed to the Kingdom Holding Company taking 100% ownership. Media figure Abdulrahman Abaoud confirmed that the ownership of Al Hilal would entirely revert to the company, stating that the deal was in its final stages and that an official announcement was a matter of time.

Further reports on December 15, 2025, specified that final talks were set to conclude by the end of the month, cementing the $2 billion valuation of the takeover.

Strategic Impact on Saudi Football

The acquisition represents a significant investment transition in the history of Al Hilal and the wider Saudi sports sector. The move is intended to reflect an escalating role for private investments in major clubs, aligning with modern directions to develop Saudi football.

The transition to the Kingdom Holding Company is expected to influence the club’s future in several ways:

• Enhanced financial and administrative sustainability.
• Improved administrative governance based on the global investment experience of the Kingdom Holding Company.
• Broader prospects for growth and competition in coming years.

The completion of the acquisition process was contingent upon the finalization of relevant legal and regulatory procedures, which were expected to be concluded by late December 2025.