Saturday, April 18, 2026

Saudi Wealth Fund Invests Over $1B In Gaming Firms

  • The Public Investment Fund is taking its investments in video game companies to the next level.
  • The fund has invested more than $1 billion in gaming firms Capcom and Nexon.
Capcom/Design: Alex Brooks

The Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, is taking its investments in video game companies to the next level with the purchase of a combined holding worth more than $1 billion in gaming firms Capcom and Nexon.

The PIF, which has $480 billion in assets under management, disclosed it has acquired a more than 5% stake in each of the Japan-based companies. 

The fund purchased a stake in Capcom, the studio behind the “Street Fighter” franchise worth roughly $332 million, according to Friday’s share price, while its stake in online games provider Nexon is worth about $883 million.

Headed by Crown Prince Mohammed, the PIF has a growing list of gaming-related investments. 

  • The fund has 5.6 million Take-Two Interactive shares worth roughly $996 million.
  • It has 14.2 million Electronic Arts shares worth $1.9 billion.
  • The fund has 37.9 million Activision Blizzard shares worth more than $3 billion. 

The PIF has been aggressive about investing in gaming. In January, Savvy Gaming Group — fully backed by the fund — purchased esports tournament and league operators ESL and FACEIT for a combined $1.5 billion.

Staying Busy 

Earlier this week, The Asian Tour announced an increased investment by LIV Golf Investments, an investment entity backed by the PIF. To date, LIV has invested $300 million in the tour.

The PIF has also invested in McLaren, acquired the Premier League’s Newcastle, and is reportedly nearing a deal to purchase Serie A’s Inter Milan for $1 billion.

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

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 4, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Byeong Hun An in action during the first round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club.

LIV Golf CEO: League Looking for New Investors

Scott O’Neil admitted LIV will need to raise money moving forward.
LIV Golf livestream

LIV Golf Loses Mexico Livestream for Nearly Three Hours

The league’s broadcast feeds were down for more than an hour.

LIV Golf’s Future: Three Big Questions If Saudi Funding Dries Up

LIV players could be seeking a return to the PGA Tour.

Saudi PIF Drops Al-Hilal Soccer Team Amid Sports Pivot

The PIF is reportedly considering an exit from LIV Golf. 

Featured Today

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.

Thunder Favored, but Bettors Backing Pacers Big in NBA Finals

The most bet-on exact series outcome is the Thunder winning in five.
Fanduel
March 4, 2025

FanDuel Retains Sports Betting Crown With $14B in Revenue

The FanDuel parent company posts big increases in revenue and net income.
May 8, 2025

FanDuel Misses Projections As Betting Favorites Dominate

FanDuel is hit by customer-friendly betting outcomes during March Madness.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
February 20, 2025

Americans Bet $148 Billion on Sports in 2024, Up 23.6%

Both overall handle and revenue rose by more than 20% last year.
DraftKings app
February 14, 2025

Lawsuit Says DraftKings VIP Program ‘Preyed On’ Gambling Addicts

The company’s being sued for negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
August 20, 2024

Beloved ‘Backyard Sports’ Brand To Relaunch After Decade Hiatus

“Backyard Baseball” was a turn-of-the-century computer hit. 
DraftKings
August 2, 2024

DraftKings Announces Consumer Tax Starting Next Year

The company’s stock fell 5% Friday morning.