• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Saudi Arabia Keeps Buying Into Sports. The WTA Is Resisting, For Now

  • Saudi Arabia is pushing to host next year’s WTA Finals.
  • That deal and efforts in professional golf face significant delays.
Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

Saudi Arabia has been crystal clear in its intentions to buy into as many pro sports outfits as possible — but sealing lucrative deals isn’t as easy as it looks.

Several British media outlets recently reported that the 2024 WTA Finals will be held in the Middle East nation as part of a major deal surrounding the season-ending event of tennis’ top women’s tour. 

However, the WTA tells Reuters that no decision has been made about a venue or location for next November’s tournament. “We are in discussions with various groups surrounding the 2024 WTA Finals and beyond,” a WTA spokesperson said.

The interest from Saudi Arabia isn’t surprising: In 2022, the Saudi Public Investment Fund tried to invest in the WTA before the tour accepted a $150 million deal with CVC Capital Partners. The PIF has also backed Formula 1, LIV Golf, Newcastle United, and the Saudi Pro League. Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, all while the country deals with continued criticisms around sportswashing given its poor human rights record.

Right now, the WTA Finals are the only event on the tour’s 2024 calendar without a set location. The finals have been searching for a long-term host since a 10-year deal with the Chinese city of Shenzhen fell through after the pandemic and the Peng Shuai saga. This year’s finals were held in Cancun.

Money Talks?

Saudi Arabia’s efforts to partner with the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour continue to move at a slow pace, but the PIF keeps pouring money into LIV Golf, which just signed Jon Rahm to a contract believed to be worth more than $500 million.

However, a recent report from Sports Illustrated indicates that the PIF was willing to fund a $1 billion equalization pool for PGA Tour players that had turned down LIV offers. That money would have been added to the $1 billion-plus investment PIF is trying to make in the PGA Tour.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Why Liberty Media Spun Off Assets, Shook Up Leadership

Longtime CEO Greg Maffei is stepping down at the end of the year.

Caitlin Clark Draws Huge Early-Morning Crowds at LPGA Event

Golf Channel aired Clark’s 18th hole live, after moving up its studio show.

DSG Introduces NBA, NHL Single-Game Streaming Despite Bankruptcy

The regional sports network operator introduces single-game view options for its NBA and NHL teams.

Tropicana Field Repairs Will Cost $55.7 Million and Take a Year

The MLB club will need an alternate home facility for all of the 2025 season.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Is Jerry Jones Holding the Cowboys Back?

0:00

Featured Today

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
November 8, 2024

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.

NBA Cup Courts Receive Mixed Reviews in Year 2 Debut

All 30 teams have special courts for the tournament games.
November 13, 2024

PLL Launches New Women’s Lacrosse League With 6-on-6 Format

The league will begin with a two-week tournament in February.
November 13, 2024

Joey Logano Defends NASCAR Playoffs As League Reviews Format

Joey Logano won his third NASCAR Cup Championship on Sunday.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Napheesa Collier
November 13, 2024

Unrivaled Leaning In to TNT Deal With 850-Capacity Arena

The facility will have training, childcare, and content areas.
November 12, 2024

NBA In-Season Tournament Returns: New Name, Fresh Look, Bigger Payout

The league’s in-season tournament is back with a new name and a slightly raised top prize.
November 11, 2024

The Caitlin Clark Show Is Hitting the LPGA Tour in a Big..

The WNBA star is playing in an LPGA pro-am this week.
November 10, 2024

Goodell: NFL Eyeing 8 International Games In 6 Countries Next Season

The Giants-Panthers game in Germany concludes the NFL’s five-game 2024 international slate