• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 11, 2025

Saudi’s PIF Aims Higher With Launch of Sports-Focused Investment Company

  • SRJ Sports Investments will initially focus on growth in Saudi Arabia and MENA.
  • The PIF has already invested billions in LIV Golf, Formula 1, and English soccer.
The PGA Tour and PIF have a self-imposed Dec. 31 deadline to finalize their golf merger.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is taking the next step toward becoming an even bigger player in the business of sports. 

The PIF announced the formation and launch of SRJ Sports Investments, a sports investment company that aims to accelerate the growth of the sector in Saudi Arabia and MENA.

Reports of the PIF’s plan for a multibillion-dollar sports-focused entity emerged last month in the wake of Saudi Arabia’s bombshell agreement with the PGA Tour. Beyond LIV Golf, the PIF also has investments in Newcastle United, Formula 1, and its domestic soccer competition, the Saudi Pro League.

The PIF’s initial announcement didn’t say how much funding SRJ would start with or confirm whether its current sports ties will now fall under the new entity. There was also no mention of global sports investments beyond Saudi Arabia and MENA. 

Saudi Arabia will host the 2029 Asian Winter games and has considered bids for the 2030 Winter Olympics and 2036 FIFA World Cup.

Recently, the PIF has been in the news for holding discussions with the ATP Tour about getting involved in men’s tennis and for meeting with the R&A at last month’s Open Championship, its first inroads with an organizer of a men’s major golf championship.

The NBA, NHL, and MLS all allow investments from sovereign wealth funds — so there would theoretically be nothing stopping SRJ from buying a minority stake in one of those leagues’ teams, as the Qatar Investment Authority did with Washington Capitals and Wizards owner Monumental Sports & Entertainment.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 6, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; The LIV Golf logo is on display along the 10th hole during the second round of LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral.

LIV Golf’s New Leadership Reapplies for World Ranking Points

The league’s first attempt was denied in 2023.
Stephen Curry celebrates after sinking the winning putt during the final round of the American Century Celebrity Championship golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev., Sunday, July 16, 2023.

Golf’s Hottest Celebrity Tournament Keeps Getting More Exclusive

The American Century Championship tees off at Lake Tahoe on Friday.
Jul 10, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Iga Swiatek of Poland at her on court interview after winning her match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland on day 11 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Wimbledon Set to Deliver Strong Finals Matchup for ESPN

Novak Djokovic is still in the hunt for his 25th Grand Slam.
Oct 27, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A general view of the Wells Fargo Center before game between Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens.

New Philly Arena Will Redefine Home-Court Advantage, CEO Says

The forthcoming venue will arrive with plenty of ambition among its owners.

Featured Today

Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
Jonathan Mariner

Former MLB CFO Jumps to PE, Says Teams Are Undervalued

Mariner worked in Major League Baseball for 24 years.
March 20, 2025

Nike Struggles Continue, but Signs of Turnaround Appear

The embattled company beats tepid expectations in both revenue and earnings.
James Harden
April 24, 2025

Adidas Posts Big Profits in First Quarter Without Yeezy

Profits and sales are up after selling off remaining Yeezys last year.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Oracle Park
March 18, 2025

S.F. Giants Selling Stake to Private Equity to Pay for Facility Upgrades

The team said the cash would not be used to grow payroll.
Aug 11, 2024; Paris, France; Medals are carried out on Louis Vuitton trays after the women's volleyball gold medal match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at South Paris Arena
February 16, 2025

LVMH’s New Push: World’s Most Powerful Luxury Group Is Coming for Sports

LVMH is making long-term deals—and they’re not done.
February 14, 2025

DraftKings Turns First Full-Year Profit, Stock Up 47% in 2025

The company’s sports betting business continues to grow despite headwinds.
Billie Jean King
February 13, 2025

Billie Jean King: ‘Billionaires, Not Millionaires’ Are Fueling Women’s Sports Boom

Billie Jean King wants more women involved in team ownership, too.