• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

Saudi Arabia Pivots, Now Wants to Buy In on BeIn

  • Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is interested in purchasing a stake in BeIn Media Group.
  • The country banned BeIn from 2017 to 2022.
Bein-Sports
beIN Sports

When it comes to BeIn Media Group, Saudi Arabia may go from banning to buying.

The nation’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, is considering purchasing a stake in the broadcaster, which is based in and owned by 2022 World Cup host Qatar

U.S. private equity firms are also reportedly interested in the media company.

  • Saudi Arabia banned BeIn in 2017 due to troubled relations with Qatar. The dispute delayed the PIF’s majority stake purchase of Premier League club Newcastle United
  • The ban was lifted in 2021 after the two nations smoothed things over.
  • BeIn Sports’ suite of sports rights includes the Premier League, Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League, and the Asian Football Confederation in the Middle East and North Africa.

BeIn chairperson Nasser Al-Khelaifi is the president of Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain. The company also owns 51% of Hollywood studio Miramax.

Piece of the Puzzle

A media relationship with its neighbor would provide a valuable partner for Saudi Arabia as it pushes deeper into sports. 

The PIF backs LIV Golf and Saudi Arabia will host the 2029 Asian Winter Games in a to-be-built resort city called Trojena in the country’s mountainous region — part of the country’s $500 billion futuristic NEOM project.

The country also aspires to host the 2030 World Cup and the Olympics.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 5, 2024; South Orange, NJ, United States; Pirates fans gather at Seton Hall University to welcome home the basketball team after they won the NIT championship. Kadary Richmond holds up the trophy as the team applauds.

Tournament Turf Wars: NIT, College Basketball Crown Battle for Leftovers

College basketball’s postseason becomes even more muddled with a new event.
Mar 14, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard RJ Davis (4) handles the ball against Duke Blue Devils guard Sion James (14) during the first half at Spectrum Center.

UNC’s Controversial First Four Debut Should Help Play-In Ratings

The Tar Heels will face San Diego State for a No. 11 seed.

NFL Non-QB Salary Record Broken for 3rd Time This Month. Who’s Next?

The top of the pay scale is shifting faster than ever.

How New $15M Women’s March Madness ‘Units’ Payouts Work

Men’s teams have benefited from this format for decades.

Featured Today

Auburn Tigers guard Miles Kelly (13) reacts after hitting a three-point shot against Kentucky during the first half in SEC basketball at Rupp Arena Saturday afternoon in Lexington, Kentucky March 1, 2025

The SEC’s Ascent to Men’s Basketball Supremacy

The league brought its football pageantry and power to college hoops.
San Diego Wave FC falls to Orlando Pride at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA on April 29, 2023.
March 14, 2025

The New Tailored Approach to Women’s Sports Uniforms

For new women’s sports leagues, every detail is custom.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) cuts down the net after beating LSU in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament between Iowa and LSU at MVP Arena, Monday, April 1, 2024 in Albany, N.Y.
opinion
March 9, 2025

Reader Mailbag: Leagues Need Must-Watch Moments

Readers responded to NHL success and what it means for other leagues.
Moolah Kicks
March 8, 2025

Breaking the Mold: The Brands Designing Footwear Specifically for Female Athletes

New companies are laser focused on changing the women’s athletic footwear landscape.

Eagles Make Saquon Barkley NFL’s Highest-Paid Running Back Ever

Barkley is coming off a historic 2024 season with the Eagles.
Teammates embrace during matchup in The Hundred cricket league
February 15, 2025

Google, Microsoft, Adobe CEOs Buy Stakes in Cricket League

The England and Wales Cricket Board raised £520m by selling team stakes.
February 18, 2025

Tiger Woods Signs First PGA Tour Player to Wear Sun Day Red

Karl Vilips will wear Sun Day Red at his season debut at the Mexico Open.
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.
Jul 30, 2022; Pasadena California, USA; Juventus forward forward Dusan Vlahovic (9) and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jose Paixao (20) battle for the ball in the first half during an international friendly at the Rose Bowl.
February 14, 2025

‘Make Juventus Great Again’: Crypto Firm Tether Buys Stake in Soccer Club

Tether is just one of many crypto firms making sports investments.
exclusive
December 5, 2024

Talor Gooch Using LIV Golf Fortune to Start Building Sports Empire

The golfer has made more than $43 million individually from LIV.
December 4, 2024

U.S. Firm Makes $310M Bet on Soccer by Forming Superagency

The U.S.-based investment company makes a significant play in international soccer.
November 13, 2024

Why Liberty Media Spun Off Assets, Shook Up Leadership

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