Al-Ahli announces suspension of basketball and handball teams

Al-Ahli Club announced on Friday the launch of a comprehensive transformation program for various sports sectors, to be implemented starting from the 2026-2027 sports season, in a step the club described as aimed at building a more sustainable sports system and enhancing investment in national talents to ensure long-term success.

Al-Ahli clarified in an official statement that the program includes continuing the activity of the volleyball team at the first team and all age-group levels, while it was decided to suspend the activity of the first team in basketball and handball, while retaining all age-group levels in both sports, in an approach that reflects a focus on developing talents and building a strong foundation for the future rather than completely canceling the sports.

Al-Ahli Club's statement read as follows: "Al-Ahli Club announces the launch of a comprehensive transformation program for various sports, to be implemented starting from the 2018/2027 sports season."

"This program comes within a vision aimed at developing the various sports sector and enhancing the club's competitiveness on sustainable foundations, with a focus on preparing national talents and building a sports system capable of achieving long-term success."

It added: "Under this program, the men's volleyball team will continue its activity at the first team and all age-group levels, while the activity of the men's first team in basketball and handball will be suspended, with all age-group levels continuing in both sports. In the coming weeks, the club will also announce several new partnerships aimed at reactivating individual sports, including martial arts, tennis, swimming, and gymnastics, to enhance community participation in sports activities. The club is also finalizing a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education to provide after-school sports programs in basketball, handball, and volleyball in several neighborhoods of Jeddah. This partnership reflects the club's ongoing commitment to promoting sports within the community and contributing to the discovery and development of national talents. Al-Ahli Club reaffirms its commitment to its fans to operate with the highest standards of transparency and responsibility, putting the club's interest above all else, believing that the decisions taken today will establish a stronger and more sustainable phase and pave the way for more achievements in the future."