• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Saudi Arabia Submits Bold World Cup Bid That Includes a Cliffside Arena

  • Saudi Arabia is the lone bidder for the 2034 World Cup.
  • The Saudis have a long list of sports investments marred by accusations of sportswashing.
Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Saudi Arabia does not have any competition to host the 2034 World Cup, but that isn’t stopping the nation from pulling out all the stops in its bid.

The Middle Eastern nation submitted its formal bid to FIFA in Paris on Wednesday, and it included plans to construct 11 new stadiums, according to ESPN. Saudi Arabia’s complete bid includes 15 stadiums in five host cities—including Neom, a still unbuilt city in the northwest region of the country.

Neom—which the country dubs as a “future global hub”—will be home to the most distinct of the proposed stadiums, built nearly 1,150 feet above the ground. The Neom Stadium will seat 45,000 and will be built into a cliff edge in the region called “The Line,” which will have no roads, cars, and emissions, and it will run on 100% renewable energy. The stadium will therefore be accessible via only transit or driverless vehicles. 

“Neom Stadium will be the most unique stadium in the world,” Saudi’s committee wrote in an outline of its bid. “With a pitch situated more than 350 meters above ground, stunning vistas, and a roof created from the city itself, the stadium will be an experience like no other.”

FIFA is expected to confirm the host for the 2034 World Cup later this year.

Sports Stronghold

It’s no secret Saudi Arabia is going all in on sports. 

The Saudi World Cup bid highlights the soccer investments of its Public Investment Fund, which include signing the likes of soccer megastars Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar to Saudi Pro League contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

The country funds LIV Golf, the PGA Tour rival that has signed many of the Tour’s players by offering them life-changing contracts and lighter schedules. The PIF and PGA Tour announced there would be a merger between the two sides, but it’s still unclear how exactly the partnership will work.

While those are two of the country’s more prominent investments, it has also hosted other high-profile sporting events, including an annual Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, boxing matches featuring the likes of Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, as well as WWE premium live events.

The next step for the country could be minority ownership of a major U.S. sports team. While the NFL has yet to open ownership stakes to private equity or sovereign wealth funds, other major sports leagues like the NBA and MLS have removed restrictions.

Looming Criticism

The most prominent cloud hanging over Saudi Arabia’s investments is the accusations of sportswashing—that the country is using sports to hide human-rights violations such as inequitable treatment of women.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in an interview on The Dan Patrick Show last year he has not received a bid from the Saudis for a team. He did not dismiss a potential investment from the Saudis, though he labeled it as a “two-edged sword.

“When the Saudis invest in sports, it gets outsized attention,” Silver said in response to a question about the merger. 

The country’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said last year that he isn’t fazed by any sportswashing claims.

“If sportswashing [is] going to increase my GDP by 1%, then I will continue doing sportswashing,” bin Salman said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 19, 2019; South Bend, IN, USA; Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk (4) passes the ball in the second half of a preseason preparation soccer match against the Borussia Dortmund at Notre Dame.

Liverpool’s $598M Gamble Looks Pretty Average on the Pitch—So Far

Liverpool struggles after historic offseason spending and lofty expectations.
Signs promoting the FIFA World Cup Final coming to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Wednesday Feb. 7, 2024. The World Cup is held every four years and the 2026 World Cup Final match will be played at MetLife Stadium.

High Ticket Prices Define First World Cup Presale

Most fans weren’t picked for the pricey first presale window.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Nov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of a Cleveland Browns helmet on a time out against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome.

Cleveland Takes New Shot at Blocking Browns’ $2.4B Stadium

A new lawsuit challenges a permit for the NFL team’s planned stadium.
Sep 23, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars forward Adam Erne (76) looks on during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center
exclusive
October 3, 2025

Dallas Stars Eyeing Possible Move to Plano in 2031

The team needs to figure out where they’ll play starting in 2031.
October 7, 2025

Rays Owner Eyes New ‘Forever Home’ Like Atlanta’s Battery

The club’s new owners target a new ballpark opening in 2029.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Chicago Bears stadium rendering
October 1, 2025

Bears Want $855M in Public Money for Suburban Stadium

The NFL team details an updated ask for public money.
September 29, 2025

A’s Unveil Sacramento Jerseys As Vegas Development Advances

The club unveils an alternate “Sacramento” jersey as Las Vegas plans advance.
Sep 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Cam Hart (20) breaks up a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Nabers was carted off the field with an injury after the play.
September 29, 2025

Malik Nabers’s Torn ACL Rekindles NFL’s Grass vs. Turf Debate

The Giants star tore his ACL on MetLife Stadium’s artificial surface.
September 25, 2025

NYCFC’s New $780M Queens Stadium Comes With Jab at Red Bulls

The MLS club progresses on developing its new stadium in Queens, N.Y.