When the Ministry of Sports unveiled its latest initiative, investors around the globe took note. In collaboration with the National Privatization Center (NPC), the Ministry has embarked on an exciting new chapter for Saudi Arabian sports clubs, opening the doors for local and international investment.
Opportunities in Sports Club Investment
The current phase features six notable clubs: Al-Zulfi, Al-Nahda, Al-Okhdood, Al-Ansar, Al-Orouba, and Al-Kholood. These clubs are now at the forefront of the Sports Clubs Investment & Privatization Project, inviting expressions of interest (EOI) and requests for qualification (RFQ) from investors. This phase is open from today, August 4, and will conclude on September 19, as announced by the Ministry on its official platform.
Following a strategic decision by the Cabinet on July 2, the Ministry of Sports has already taken steps to privatize a total of 14 sports clubs across various levels. This move is part of the broader second phase of the project’s second pillar, with the current offering involving the aforementioned six clubs. The remaining eight clubs—Al-Shoulah, Hajer, Al-Najma, Al-Riyadh, Al-Rawda, Jeddah, Al-Taraji, and Al-Sahel—will be gradually introduced to potential investors.
A New Era of Privatization
The Sports Clubs Investment & Privatization Project is structured around two fundamental pillars. The first pillar focuses on enabling investments from companies and development entities in exchange for ownership stakes, initially targeting eight clubs. Meanwhile, the second pillar aims to continue the momentum by privatizing additional sports clubs. The registration process for interested parties has already commenced, signaling a promising start to this transformative initiative.
Saudi Arabia’s forward-thinking approach in the sports sector is poised to create lucrative opportunities for investors, enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a dynamic hub for sports and economic growth.
