Sports

Saudi Football League Open to Foreign Private Equity Deals

Kingdom said to be eager to grow the competition’s appeal
Saudi Arabia is bidding to become a global sports powerhouse

Cristiano Ronaldo, left, during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Raed in Riyadh on April 28.Source: AFP/Getty Images

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By David Hellier

July 5, 2023 at 4:00 AM UTC

Saudi Arabia is considering a push to attract more outside investors to bolster its top football competition, part of a strategic revamp that’s started with an influx of star players from Europe.

The Saudi Pro League is discussing the option of new broadcast deals and partnerships with private equity companies to grow the competition’s appeal as the kingdom works to become a powerhouse in the world of professional sport, according to people familiar with the strategy.