Four leading football clubs enter a new ownership phase

Saudi Arabia is taking another step toward building a more investment-driven sports economy, with the latest ownership restructuring involving four of the Kingdom’s most prominent football clubs. The move reflects the country’s broader ambition to strengthen the commercial foundations of its sports sector.

The Ministry of Sport announced that the 25% shares held by nonprofit entities in Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr have begun transferring to the Public Investment Fund (PIF) after completing the required regulatory procedures. The boards of the respective nonprofit entities will also be dissolved. This marks the second stage of the ownership transfer process, aimed at strengthening corporate governance, improving investment appeal and supporting the clubs’ long-term sustainability and growth.

The development forms part of Saudi Arabia’s Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project, first announced in 2023. By evolving ownership structures and creating stronger corporate foundations, the Kingdom is positioning its leading sports assets for sustainable growth and greater investment potential, another step in the wider transformation envisioned under Vision 2030.