Saudi Vision 2030: Progress in Sports

Since 2021, Saudi Arabia has invested over $6 billion in sports. With this investment, the country has transformed from a regional participant into a global powerhouse reshaping the future of international athletics, entertainment, and economic growth.

Achievement Highlights

• Over $6B invested in the sports industry since 2021
• 50+ international sports events hosted in 2023
• 2.5M+ visitors drawn to sporting events in 2023
• 70,000 new jobs created through sports initiatives
• 378% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2022

Saudi Arabia's Sport-by-Sport Investment

Football

Starting with a £400M takeover of Newcastle United, Saudi Arabia continued its investment in football through the Saudi Pro League, attracting stars like Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema. As of recently, the Kingdom will host the 2034 World Cup and has secured major sponsorship deals with FIFA through Aramco worth $100M annually.

Golf

After investing $2B in LIV Golf, Saudi Arabia is now looking to shape global golf through a historic merger with the PGA Tour and European Tour. The deal positions PIF as the exclusive investor with first rights on new investments.

Boxing

As boxing's new epicenter, Saudi Arabia hosts major events like the “Day of Reckoning,” which features stars like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

Formula 1

Since 2021, Saudi Arabia has hosted F1 races in Jeddah, joining the Middle Eastern circuit alongside Bahrain, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. The PIF previously held a £400M stake in the McLaren F1 team and continues to invest in motorsports.

Tennis

The Kingdom has secured the WTA Tour Finals and hosted exhibition matches between top players like Djokovic and Alcaraz.

Wrestling

WWE has maintained a decade-long partnership with Saudi Arabia since 2018, worth around $50M annually. The kingdom hosts two major events yearly, marking substantial cultural shifts, including introducing women's matches.

Cricket

Aramco has become the International Cricket Council's naming sponsor, while Saudi Tourism sponsors the Indian Premier League, one of the world's wealthiest sporting organizations.

Building a Multi-Dimensional Sports Empire

The Kingdom's methodical approach to sports development is evident in its strategic progression. Starting with successful football foundations – including Al Hilal's reign as "Asian Club of the Century" – Saudi Arabia has systematically expanded its sporting footprint.

The transformation of the Saudi Pro League serves as a perfect example. By securing global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo with a groundbreaking $75 million annual contract, the Kingdom demonstrated its ability to attract world-class talent, setting off a cascade of high-profile signings like Neymar and Karim Benzema.

Expanding Horizons & Global Recognition

The foundation in traditional sports has paved the way for broader ambitions. The Kingdom now hosts Formula 1 races in Jeddah, major boxing events that draw global audiences, and has secured a decade-long partnership with WWE worth $50 million annually. Each success has built upon the last, creating a comprehensive sports ecosystem that spans from grassroots to elite levels, from traditional to modern esports.

Making Innovation & Infrastructure a Priority

To support this sporting industry, Saudi Arabia is undertaking massive infrastructure developments that connect all pieces of the vision.

The new King Salman International Airport project will increase capacity by 380% to accommodate 120 million passengers annually by 2030. In Qiddiya, dubbed the global capital of entertainment, sports facilities are being built alongside entertainment venues, creating integrated destinations that will serve both athletes and spectators. This infrastructure boom isn't just about buildings – it's about creating a sustainable sports economy that will contribute significantly to the Kingdom's non-oil GDP.