[Supplementary Edition] Sports and Esports Cards in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
Riyad Bank and Saudi National Bank (SNB)
Credit Card
Riyad Bank X Al-Hilal (KSA) X Mastercard
Riyad Bank and Al-Hilal Club are partners
“Riyad Bank signed a partnership agreement with Al-Hilal Club, according to which the bank sponsors the Al-Hilal Club football teams and youth teams (men and women), volleyball and basketball teams, Al-Hilal Club academies, the charitable organization, this agreement between the bank and the club is the first of its kind at the level The banking sector, its comes within the framework of supporting the Saudi sports sector, and sponsoring its institutions, so that the sector achieves the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030, to be one of the sectors supporting the economy, in addition to creating financing solutions that meet the expectations and needs of the sports audience.” (Riyad Bank, 2023) (Source)
Riyad Bank is the Official Partner (Back-of-Shirt) of Al-Hilal.
The SAR 157.5 million / USD 42 million partnership agreement, signed in 2023, extends for three-and-a-half years (Arriyadiyah, 2023) (Source).

Riyad Bank Annual Report 2023
Year in Review
December 2023
“Riyad Bank and Al-Hilal Club Company partnered to introduce the Al-Hilal credit card, representing a unique collaboration between leaders in banking and sports. This initiative illustrates the Bank’s innovative approach and commitment to pioneering new pathways in the banking industry.” (Source)
Riyad Bank became the first and only bank to launch soccer co-branded credit cards with a Saudi Pro League (SPL) club.
Al-Hilal Mastercard Credit Cards by Riyad Bank (Link)
Benefits of Al-Hilal Credit Cards
Al-Hilal welcome gift (including but not limited to a bracelet, hat, and mug)
Al-Hilal jersey
Al-Hilal jersey signed by Al-Hilal players
Up-close-and-personal with Al-Hilal trophies
Exclusive tours of Al-Hilal
Attend Al-Hilal training sessions
Priority to purchase Al-Hilal tickets
Up to 15% discount and priority registration at Al-Hilal academies
Up to 15% discount at Al-Hilal stores
Up to 15% cashback at Floward (Al-Hilal partner) including cashback on every Al-Hilal win
Up to 6 months prime subscription of Jahez (Al-Hilal partner) including cashback on every Al-Hilal win


Riyad Bank Annual Report 2023*
Looking Forward to 2024
“We will take the Al Hilal partnership to the next level in the year ahead with enhanced propositions, including a membership program and loyalty offerings. Our credit card offerings will expand to include the multi-currency card, Al Hilal card, and Dream card. We will also introduce new propositions for the Hassad+ loyalty program.” (Source)
*Note: Al-Hilal is mentioned 23 times in Riyad Bank’s Annual Report 2023.
Prepaid Card
Saudi National Bank (SNB) X Mastercard X E-Sports and Gaming (KSA)
Saudi National Bank partners with Mastercard and Saudi Esports Federation to transform esports in the Kingdom
“Saudi National Bank announced a strategic partnership agreement with Mastercard and the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) during the SEF Awards to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation and enhance its gaming and esports infrastructure. The collaboration will build on Mastercard’s ongoing relationship with SEF to promote the Kingdom’s billion-dollar gaming industry.
Together, the three entities will explore and develop innovative financial products and offerings that create added value and enhance gamers’ experience.
In line with Mastercard’s commitment to creating priceless moments for consumers to enjoy, the agreement will leverage the resources, expertise, and networks of all three partners to cater to Saudi Arabia’s youth and gaming community.” (Mastercard, 2023) (Source)

SNB E-Gaming Prepaid Card
“With aim of accelerating the digital transformation of electronic sports and cooperating to promote the electronic gaming industry in the Kingdom through the launch of innovative financial products and solutions that enhance Gamers’ experiences.
We are pleased to present to you our newest card product in the market, the E-Gaming prepaid card, which allows you to enjoy the offers and benefits related to the world of gaming and electronic sports to meet your needs and the needs of your loved ones.” (SNB, 2024) (Source)

SNB E-Gaming Prepaid Card Features and Services:
“Own and switch between up to 50 unique card designs at any time, tailored specially for gamers
Redeem points and enjoy with our valuable “LAK” partners (PlayStation, XBOX, Fortnite, ..) and many more
Special offers and discount related to gaming
Fully Virtual Card Experience
Local and global acceptance
Available to all customers” (SNB, 2024) (Source)
Esports World Cup (EWC) 2024 Training in South Korea
Twisted Minds’ (KSA) Overwatch 2 team has landed in South Korea for a boot camp at Gen. G’s headquarters as part of its preparation for EWC 2024.
Top of Mind
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Source (Website): Brand Finance