Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Sports and Entertainment Horizon
Saudi Arabia’s sports and entertainment sectors are entering a new phase of strategic consolidation and international collaboration. Valued at USD 8.4 billion in 2024, the Saudi sports market is projected to reach USD 22.5 billion by 2030, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing influence as a global hub for sports investment and innovation.
Over the past few years, the country has made bold moves to reshape its sports landscape. The Saudi Pro League (SPL), for example, has seen its media rights revenue rise by 20% globally over just two seasons. The league now enjoys coverage in 180+ territories, reaching over 230 million fans during the 2024–2025 season. This surge in visibility reflects a deeper strategy—turning sports not just into entertainment, but into a central pillar of the Kingdom’s digital and economic transformation.
M&A Momentum Reshaping the Sports Ecosystem
Saudi Arabia’s expanding investment footprint in sports and entertainment has been driven by a mix of public and private capital. Between 2020 and early 2025, Saudi entities have invested over USD 7 billion in global sports properties. Much of this activity is led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is restructuring ownership models and introducing new global partnerships that merge sports, media, and technology.
The M&A momentum is accelerating. In the first half of 2025, Saudi outbound M&A in the sports and entertainment sectors reached USD 7.7 billion, already surpassing the total deal value for 2024. This trend signals a strategic pivot—away from headline acquisitions and toward sustainable, value-driven investments. Private equity also plays a significant role, with USD 2.8 billion deployed across 15 deals in 2024. These deals target high-potential opportunities that enhance Saudi’s global presence, from sports management and broadcasting to gaming and fan engagement.
A key example includes a USD 3.5 billion acquisition by a PIF-backed gaming company. This deal bridges digital esports with traditional sports, underlining how Saudi investors are integrating technology, media, and entertainment under a unified growth strategy.
Global Partnerships and the Future of Fan Engagement
Saudi Arabia’s approach extends beyond capital—it’s about building lasting global alliances. The Saudi Pro League has signed multi-year media rights agreements across six continents, achieving a 35% revenue uplift in Asia and 32% in the Americas. These deals demonstrate a clear intent to turn Saudi sports into a global export, comparable to the Premier League or La Liga in reach and prestige.
Between 2020 and 2024, Saudi Arabia hosted over 30 international sports events, from motorsport championships to global boxing and football tournaments. The Kingdom’s roadmap aligns with its ambition to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, positioning itself as a future center for world-class events and sports tourism.
Emerging technologies are also redefining fan experiences. Collaborations now include Web3, AR/VR-based fan engagement, and digital activations with major broadcasters. These innovations aim to deepen global audience connections and enhance commercial value—ushering in a new era of sports and entertainment convergence.
Saudi Arabia’s sports media and M&A landscape shows how strategic investment, innovation, and collaboration can transform an entire industry. With a fast-growing market, record-breaking M&A activity, and visionary global partnerships, the Kingdom is no longer just participating in global sports—it is helping shape its future.
Read also: Saudi M&A in Sports: From Mega Deals to Smart Sector Growth
