Sports Investment Forum 2026 Opens in Riyadh

Riyadh hosted the Sports Investment Forum 2026 at The Ritz‑Carlton, Riyadh, from 20 to 22 April 2026, over a three‑day program combining keynote sessions, an exhibition area, and dedicated deal‑signing sessions. The event was framed as a platform to grow the Saudi sports economy through investment, partnerships, and the sector's contribution to economic diversification under Saudi Vision 2030.

Among the headline announcements, organizers launched a dedicated business platform to facilitate public–private sports partnerships. The platform aims to connect government entities, private investors, clubs, federations, and service providers, and to streamline partnership discussions and agreement signings in one place.

During the forum, sports investment funds exceeding SAR 700 million were announced through strategic agreements with major financial funds, directed toward financing sports projects and companies operating in the Saudi sports sector. The program also featured a Sports Innovation Hackathon with a total prize pool of SAR 200,000 for winning solutions in sports technology, with registration that had been open until 31 March 2026.

The third day was designated to focus on women's empowerment in the sports sector, in collaboration with Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, with sessions aimed at increasing women's participation and leadership in sport and sports business. Strategic partners included Saudi government bodies responsible for investment, sport, and Riyadh city development, with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City recognized as a strategic partner and honored during the event.

The forum operated as an in‑person, invitation‑style event with access based on prior registration and limited seats promoted for senior delegates and decision‑makers. Typical participants included ministers, sovereign and private investment funds, giga‑project representatives, clubs and federations, global advisory firms, and corporate sponsors, positioning the event as a business‑to‑business networking and deal‑making opportunity rather than a general public gathering.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving