Number of sponsorships Saudi Arabia 2024, by sport

As of November 2024, football had the largest number of sponsorship deals in Saudi Arabia, with *** agreements in total. Meanwhile, climbing, chess, and swimming had *** sponsorship each that year.

Saudi Arabia's rise as a global sports hub

Saudi Arabia has progressed to becoming a major global hub for sports and entertainment. For instance, the kingdom has secured hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup and has ambitious construction plans like the Global Sports Tower in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has also invested in non-traditional or new branches of sport like e-sports. A 2022 survey hinted at potential for e-sports, with more than ** percent of the surveyed Saudi residents indicating that they feel e-sports events should happen more often. The kingdom’s focus on sports and entertainment can also be considered part of the larger Vision 2030 strategy.

Sports and public image

Similar to other economies in the region, Saudi Arabia has been actively seeking to diversify its economy beyond fossil fuels. As part of its Vision 2030 strategy, the kingdom has made significant investments in sports, including high-profile athlete transfers and the hosting of major international events. While these initiatives have garnered global attention and positioned Saudi Arabia as an emerging hub for sports and entertainment, they have also sparked debate in some international media outlets. For instance, the LIV Golf tour, backed by Saudi investment, has been highlighted in discussions about the role of sports in shaping national image.