The Public Investment Fund is moving toward full ownership of three of Saudi Arabia's biggest football clubs, after the Ministry of Sport began transferring the remaining stakes in Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal in August 2026, subject to completion of regulatory procedures.
The move builds on a deal reached in June 2023, when the Public Investment Fund acquired 75% of each of the four clubs. At the time, each club's non-profit foundation held the remaining 25%, and no purchase price was disclosed for those acquisitions.
Under the latest step, the foundations' 25% stakes are being transferred to the Public Investment Fund. Once completed, the transfer would give the fund 100% ownership of Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr.
The situation differs for Al-Hilal. In April 2026, the Public Investment Fund agreed to sell 70% of the club to Kingdom Holding Company for SAR 840 million, a transaction that implied an enterprise valuation of SAR 1.4 billion. That deal remains subject to approvals and closing conditions.
Why it matters
The four clubs count millions of supporters across the Kingdom, and their ownership structure shapes the direction of Saudi professional football. Consolidating ownership of three clubs under the Public Investment Fund, while bringing a private investor into Al-Hilal, signals continued investment in the sport. For fans and the wider community, the changes could influence how the clubs are run, funded and developed in the coming seasons, pending the completion of all regulatory steps.
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