Friday, July 17, 2026

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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

DeChambeau Has Last Chance at 2026 Major Cut—With 3D-Printed Irons

LIV Golf’s biggest star continues to stay busy off the course.

Golf’s Final Major of 2026 Arrives Amid LIV–PGA Tour Questions

The pro golf landscape may look very different in 2027.
Jun 17, 2026; Southampton, New York, USA; Bryson DeChambeau (L) and Jon Rahm (R) walk together during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament.

Clock Is Ticking on LIV Golf’s Search for New Investors

LIV’s U.K. event is scheduled to begin July 23.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with MLS Commissioner Don Garber on World Cup, Messi, Future & More

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.

Caleb Williams’s Investment Playbook: ‘No Vices’

The Bears QB has put money into sports, tech, and wellness start-ups.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium
February 21, 2026

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Reggie Bush speaks on unionizing college football players during the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the University Club of Pasadena in Pasadena, Calif. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.
March 5, 2026

Former NFL Pros Launch PE Firm for Emerging Leagues

Terrence C. Murphy and Reggie Bush are targeting $150 million for their debut fund.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Pro Team Valuations Are Set to Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
December 27, 2025

‘Why Not the Dodgers?’: How Billie Jean King Became an LA Owner

“Getting involved with the Dodgers literally changed our lives,” Ilana Kloss says.
December 23, 2025

Ben Simmons Buys a Sport Fishing Team

“I think I can really help this league grow,” Simmons told FOS.
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp mascot Scampi waves to fans during Opening Day baseball against the Gwinnett Stripers on March 29, 2024.
December 17, 2025

Private Equity Dives Further Into Minor League Baseball

Seven MiLB teams have changed hands in the last week.