Saudi Sports Sector Eyes SAR 85bn Market by 2030

Saudi Arabia is highlighting investment opportunities in its sports sector worth around SAR 18 billion, as part of a plan to grow the market to about SAR 85 billion by 2030. The push aims to expand private sector participation and attract both local and international investors.

The sector's market value has risen sharply in recent years, reaching about SAR 32 billion in 2025, up from less than SAR 5 billion in 2016. Consultancy studies project the market could roughly triple to around SAR 85 billion by 2030, generating tens of thousands of jobs and adding billions of riyals to the economy.

A dedicated sports investment plan was drawn up in 2021, studying 88 opportunities and identifying 20 priority areas across clubs, academies, apparel, equipment, and facilities, with a combined value of up to SAR 20 billion. The Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project, launched in 2023, aims to make clubs more financially independent while improving governance and the fan experience.

Club privatization expands

As of 2026, the privatization process has widened to include at least five more clubs: Al Riyadh, Al Fateh, Abha, Al Tai, and Al Shoalah. Preliminary investor interest has recorded around 80 bids from companies and investors seeking stakes in 22 clubs since the process opened.

Identified opportunities also span sports infrastructure, events, and training facilities, including at least 135 World Cup training camp sites and a proposed sports city in the Eastern Province valued at up to SAR 1 billion.

For residents and expats, the growth points to more clubs, venues, and sporting events across the Kingdom, alongside new jobs and business openings tied to a rapidly expanding sector.

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