Ministry of Sport Unveils SAR 1.7 Billion Plan to Boost Sports Sector

The Ministry of Sport has announced a SAR 1.7 billion investment in three sports initiatives for the 2024-2025 season, aimed at boosting club development and enhancing the Kingdom's sports sector profile. The funding is part of the Clubs Support Strategy, which focuses on governance, sports development, fan engagement and digital transformation.

The ministry revealed that SAR 1.04 billion of the allocation will directly support clubs in the Saudi Pro League, as well as those in the first and second divisions. Pro League teams will receive SAR 47 million annually for public clubs and SAR 45 million for private clubs. First division clubs will get SAR 6 million annually, while second division public clubs will receive SAR 2.787 million.

In addition to direct support, SAR 128 million is allocated for the fan attendance initiative, while SAR 503 million is earmarked for various sports programs. The sports privatisation process, part of Vision 2030 reforms, has also attracted strong interest from investors, with 25 companies pursuing opportunities in the Kingdom's privatised sports clubs.

Since the launch of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has seen significant growth in sports tourism, hosting 80 athletic events over the past four years and drawing 2.5 million visitors. Major events like the Formula One race in Jeddah have contributed notably to the economy, creating thousands of jobs and attracting global visitors.