What, Where and How Many Sports and Leagues Does Saudi Arabia Part Own

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged as a significant player in the global sports industry, with investments and partnerships across numerous sports and leagues. Through initiatives like Vision 2030, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia is using sports as a tool for economic diversification and soft power.

The country has leveraged its wealth, primarily driven by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), to acquire stakes in leagues, host major sporting events, and launch initiatives that are reshaping the global sporting landscape.

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This analysis delves into the sports and leagues in which Saudi Arabia holds significant ownership or investments, explores how these investments are transforming sports worldwide, and examines the implications of Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the sports industry.

1. The Role of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in Sports

The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, plays a central role in the country’s strategy to diversify its economy. With assets exceeding $700 billion as of 2024, the PIF has made substantial investments in various sectors, including sports. Through direct acquisitions, sponsorships, and partnerships, the PIF has expanded Saudi Arabia’s reach into football, golf, Formula 1, boxing, and more.

2. Saudi Arabia’s Growing Portfolio in Global Football

A. Newcastle United (English Premier League)

In 2021, the PIF acquired an 80% stake in Newcastle United, marking one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant investments in European football. Under Saudi ownership, Newcastle has seen a resurgence in competitiveness, with major player acquisitions and infrastructure improvements. The club’s turnaround has sparked discussions about the potential for Saudi-backed clubs to become dominant forces in European football.

B. Saudi Pro League

Saudi Arabia has also made strides in developing its domestic football league, the Saudi Pro League. With high-profile signings like Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) and Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad), the league has rapidly gained international attention. Saudi Arabia’s willingness to offer record-breaking salaries has attracted global talent, raising the profile of Middle Eastern football on the world stage.

These investments, both in local and foreign football clubs, underscore Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a major footballing hub.

3. LIV Golf: Disrupting the Golf World

In 2022, Saudi Arabia launched LIV Golf, a professional golf tour designed to rival the PGA Tour. Backed entirely by the PIF, LIV Golf has shaken up the sport by offering enormous financial incentives to attract top players, including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Brooks Koepka. The creation of LIV Golf represents Saudi Arabia’s strategy of disrupting established sports organizations through financial might.

By offering players contracts significantly higher than those of traditional tours, LIV Golf has forced existing organizations like the PGA Tour to adapt and innovate. This rivalry has ultimately led to increased player earnings and more diverse tournament structures, benefiting golfers and fans alike.

4. Formula 1: Expanding Saudi Arabia’s Influence in Motorsport

Saudi Arabia’s presence in Formula 1 has grown rapidly through its sponsorship of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and Aramco’s partnership with F1. Aramco, Saudi Arabia’s national oil company, signed a $450 million deal with F1, becoming one of the sport’s major global partners. In addition to sponsorship, Saudi Arabia has also hosted the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit since 2021.

The PIF’s involvement in Formula 1, both through direct partnerships and sponsorships, has given Saudi Arabia a significant platform to promote itself globally. Formula 1’s massive global fanbase has helped Saudi Arabia enhance its image as a modern and progressive nation, capable of hosting world-class sporting events.

5. Wrestling: WWE and the Crown Jewel

Saudi Arabia has also made waves in professional wrestling through a lucrative partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The Crown Jewel event, held annually in Saudi Arabia, is one of the most financially lucrative pay-per-view events on WWE’s calendar. In 2018, WWE signed a 10-year agreement with Saudi Arabia worth over $500 million, securing the kingdom’s role as a key player in professional wrestling.

The Crown Jewel event has featured some of WWE’s biggest names, such as Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, and John Cena, further enhancing Saudi Arabia’s standing in the global entertainment landscape.

6. Boxing and MMA: The Fight for Supremacy

Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a global hub for combat sports, hosting high-profile boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) events. The kingdom’s ability to attract the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Oleksandr Usyk for boxing bouts, as well as major UFC events, reflects its ambition to dominate the combat sports world.

A. Boxing

In 2022, Saudi Arabia hosted the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk, one of the biggest boxing events of the year. The country is now working to host even more marquee fights, including a potential bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

B. MMA

The UFC has also tapped into Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in combat sports. While the UFC has traditionally held events in Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia is expected to host more UFC pay-per-view events, boosting its visibility in the MMA world.

7. Esports: Building a Digital Empire

Saudi Arabia has been rapidly expanding its footprint in esports, investing billions into gaming and competitive esports tournaments. In 2022, the PIF-backed Savvy Gaming Group acquired major stakes in ESL (Esports League) and Faceit, two of the biggest competitive gaming platforms, for over $1 billion.

This move positions Saudi Arabia as a global esports leader, and the country has already hosted several high-profile tournaments, including Gamers8, which attracted top global talent. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to esports is aligned with its youth-oriented Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to engage a younger, tech-savvy generation.

8. Finishing Up: The Broader Impact of Saudi Arabia’s Sports Investments and Goals

A. Economic Diversification For The Country Is The Big Play

Saudi Arabia’s aggressive entry into the sports industry is part of its broader Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to reduce the kingdom’s dependency on oil revenues. By investing in global sports, Saudi Arabia is creating new revenue streams, fostering tourism, and developing industries like hospitality, entertainment, and infrastructure.