Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport, in collaboration with the National Centre for Privatisation & PPP (NCP), has announced the winning bidders of the rights to own and operate three sports clubs in the kingdom.

The agreement marks the first time a foreign investor has owned a Saudi football club, with the US-based investment firm Harburg Group winning the ownership rights of Al-Kholood football club.

The club competes in the Saudi Pro League and is based in the city of Ar-Rass, in the Al-Qassim province of the kingdom.

Riyadh-based firm Nojoom Al-Salam Holding will assume the ownership of Al-Zulfi club. The club is based in Al-Qassim province and competes in the Saudi First Division League, the second tier in the Saudi Arabian football league system.

Medina-based firm Awdah Al-Biladi & Sons acquired the ownership of Al-Ansar football club. The club is based in Medina and plays in the Saudi Second Division, the third tier of Saudi Arabia’s football league.

In April, MEED reported that the Ministry of Sport, in collaboration with the NCP, was expected to announce the winning bidders for owning and operating six sports clubs soon.

According to local media reports, the ministry received more than 22 offers for the acquisition of clubs, including bids from foreign companies.

The other clubs that were opened for privatisation include Alnahdah Sports Club (Dammam), Alokhdood Sports Club (Najran) and Alorobah Sports Club (Sakaka City).

In August last year, MEED reported that Riyadh was seeking investor interest in owning and operating six sports clubs in the kingdom.

The announcement followed a notice from the ministry in July that approval had been given for the privatisation of 14 sports clubs in the kingdom.

“The move is part of the ongoing implementation of the sports clubs’ investment and privatisation project launched by the Crown Prince, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. It also aims to provide opportunities for the private sector to participate in building and developing the sports sector, thereby benefiting national teams, clubs, fans and all sports practitioners,” NCP said in an official statement.

Saudi Arabia has major plans to develop its sports infrastructure. The kingdom will likely invest hundreds of billions of dollars in developing the required infrastructure to host the 2034 Fifa World Cup.