Saudi Arabia’s tentacular takeover of sport and entertainment
Published on 21 August 2023
Given Saudi Arabia’s recent spectacular moves into sport and entertainment, you might think that their influence is nascent and temporary. But the network of Saudi investments is already very broad, and its ambitions are out of all proportion to those of its neighbours, Qatar and the Emirates.
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So far this year, barely a week has gone by without there being news of yet another major development in Saudi Arabian sport. Recently, Saudi Pro League football clubs have been privatised, LIV Golf has agreed a merger with the PGA and DP Tours, and a host of players have agreed transfers to the country’s top football clubs.
Many observers have been shocked by the pace, reach, and unexpected nature of these developments.