• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 6, 2025

Saudi Prince Dismisses Sportswashing Claims Post Newcastle, LIV Golf

  • Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke about sportswashing with Fox News.
  • The controversial leader was bullish on the value of sports investments.
LIV Golf flag pin
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Sportswashing has been one of the more ubiquitous terms in the industry over the past few years as foreign nations invest billions of dollars in professional teams and leagues in the U.S. and Europe.

One of the most criticized countries is Saudi Arabia, whose $700 billion Public Investment Fund has backed the launch of LIV Golf, the purchase of Premier League club Newcastle United, investments in Formula 1, and the Saudi Pro League — the latter of which has brought unprecedented disruption to European soccer.

Saudi Arabia has even launched a sports-specific investment company that recently purchased a stake in the MMA upstart Professional Fighters League.

As the focus of sports continues, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman says he isn’t bothered by sportswashing claims.

“If sportswashing [is] going to increase my GDP by 1%, then I will continue doing sportswashing,” he told Fox News on Bret Baier’s “Special Report” show. “I don’t care. I have 1% growth of GDP from sport, and I’m aiming for another 1.5% — call it whatever you want, we’re going to get that 1.5%.”

Various databases calculated Saudi Arabia’s GDP at more than $1 trillion by the end of 2022. While it isn’t clear exactly what metrics bin Salman was referring to, his claim would mean sports investments have boosted Saudi Arabia’s GDP by $10 billion.

Either way, the leader’s comments correlate with the country’s present and future actions. Saudi Arabia has discussed investing in professional tennis, and wants to bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

[US, Mexico, & Canada customers only] Mar 16, 2025; Singapore, SINGAPORE; Joaquin Niemann in action during the final round of LIV Golf Singapore at Sentosa Golf Club.

LIV Golf Lost $461M in Non-U.S. Operations in 2024

Public financial filings were released this week in the U.K.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 27, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team Europe's Matt Fitzpatrick celebrates with Tyrrell Hatton after holing his putt to win the hole on the 9th hole during the four-balls on the second day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

Ryder Cup Fallout Continues As PGA of America Leaders Take Heat

European players are still not happy with the fan behavior.
opinion

How Rory McIlroy Became Golf’s Lightning Rod

Is McIlroy a hypocrite for ripping fans after his own f-bombs?

Why Ryder Cup Sunday TV Ratings Hit a 25-Year Low

NBC and Peacock drew 3.22 million viewers for the final round.

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.
Oct 6, 2024; London, United Kingdom; British and United States flags on the field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

From Dublin to London: Vikings on NFL’s First Multi-Country Road Trip

The Jaguars have previously played consecutive games in the U.K.
Jun 13, 2018; Moscow, Russia; A general view of a beer stand inside of Luschniki Stadium one day prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup 2018.
February 12, 2025

Saudi Arabia Says No Alcohol at 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia won’t allow alcohol anywhere during the 2034 World Cup.
Noah Lyles (USA) wins the men’s 100m final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France, Monday, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024.
September 22, 2025

Summer Olympics Face a Climate-Induced Heat Check

The World Athletics president says the status quo is not sustainable.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
January 13, 2025

Gavin Newsom Reveals Status of 2028 Olympics As Los Angeles Wildfires Roar

Gavin Newsom says there’s a “Marshall Plan” to rebuild Los Angeles.
Paralympics Tiktok
August 25, 2024

The Wildly Successful Paralympics TikTok Account Isn’t What You Think

A cheeky TikTok account is opening the world of Paralympic sports.
August 11, 2024

Passing of the Torch: Los Angeles Set for Olympic Firsts in 2028

The city last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1984.
August 1, 2024

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

The Saudis are proposing a new stadium in a futuristic city called Neom.