In a step that sparked widespread controversy among Al-Ahli fans, the club announced the launch of a comprehensive transformation program for various sports sectors, which will begin implementation starting from the 2026-2027 sports season. The club described this step as aiming to build a more sustainable sports system and enhance investment in national talents, ensuring long-term success continuity.

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

After the announcement of the decision, a wide segment of the club's fans expressed their opposition to the sudden decision, especially since the club has been known throughout its history for its interest in various sports and achieving many accomplishments through them.

The statement indicated that the decision comes within a strategic vision to restructure the various sports sector, based on raising spending efficiency and building a more sustainable model, with a focus on preparing national players and enhancing the club's competitiveness in the coming years.

The club confirmed that the next phase will witness the announcement of a number of new partnerships to reactivate individual sports, including martial arts, tennis, swimming, and gymnastics, with the aim of expanding the base of practitioners and enhancing community participation in sports activities, in line with the targets for developing the sports sector.

Al-Ahli also revealed the approaching launch of a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education to provide after-school sports programs in a number of neighborhoods in Jeddah, including basketball, handball, and volleyball, with the aim of discovering and refining talents at an early age and linking the educational sector with the sports path.

The club emphasized in its concluding statement that the recent decisions were taken according to the highest standards of governance and transparency, placing the club's interest and the sustainability of its success as a top priority, confirming that the transformation program represents a step towards building a stronger sports system capable of achieving achievements in the next phase.