Sports

Tom Brady and head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, Turki al-Sheikh, unveil the flag football tournament in Las Vegas on Sept. 17, 2025.

Saudi sports push targets NFL with flag football series featuring Tom Brady

The Public Investment Fund is not yet investing in the National Football League amid restrictions on state entities, but is eyeing flag football as the sport grows in the region.

Saudi Arabia's Bayan Sadagah (C-L) celebrates her goal during a friendly football match between Saudi Arabia and Bhutan at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz stadium in Abha on September 24, 2022. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia launches 24-hour women’s sports channel: What to know

The launch coincides with the start of the Saudi Women’s Premier League season, which will see the soccer competition broadcast nationally and globally for the first time.

A supporter of Sudanese football team al-Hilal Omdurman watches on a phone a stream of his team's CAF Champions League group stage match.

World's largest illegal sports streaming site shut down after Egypt arrests

Streameast, believed to be the world’s largest illegal sports streaming network, was taken down in August during a sting operation conducted by Egyptian authorities in collaboration with a US anti-piracy group.

Players in action during day one of the Girl Gamer Esports Festival at Meydan Racecourse on Feb. 21, 2020, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Dubai Police to host expanded esports event amid UAE gaming push: What to know

The UAE wants to grow its esports sector as part of its economic diversification plans, mirroring a similar endeavor in neighboring Saudi Arabia.

United Arab Emirates

Latest News

Jordan refuses to play Israel in FIBA Basketball World Cup: What to know

Jordanian fans cheer for their team during the FIBA Basketball World Cup group C match between Jordan and New Zealand at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, suburban Manila on August 28, 2023. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP) (Photo by TED ALJIBE/AFP via Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia bets 2034 World Cup will bring foreign investment, reduce reliance on debt

Saudis celebrate World Cup announcement

Saudi Arabia wins bid to host 2034 FIFA World Cup: What we know

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 11: A drone show is seen displaying the words "Welcome to Saudi 34" as Saudi Arabia is announced as the host nation for the FIFA World Cup 2034 on December 11, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Christophe Viseux/Getty Images for Saudi Arabian Football Federation)

Saudi Dania Akeel’s Baja Cup win inspires Arab women in motorsports

Dania Akeel

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 15: A man looks out over the Doha skyline on The Corniche during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on December 15, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Doha, Dubai ranked world’s top two cities for competitive job markets

The United Arab Emirates was the only country to have two cities on the top 10 list with both Dubai and the country’s capital Abu Dhabi at fifth.

Bradley Beal, #3 of the Washington Wizards, drives around Jared Rhoden, #8 of the Detroit Pistons.

Qatar to buy stake in Washington Wizards, Capitals: reports

The move follows the National Basketball Association allowing sovereign wealth funds to invest in teams and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund merging its LIV Golf league with the PGA Tour, demonstrating Gulf investors' interest in US sports.

N'Golo Kante

N’golo Kante transfers to Saudi’s Al-Ittihad, soccer club confirms

The 32-year-old Frenchman’s contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of June and he will join the Saudi side after on a three-year contract.

Justin Rose of England and his caddy look on.

US Justice Department investigating Saudi LIV Golf-PGA Tour merger: reports

The revelation follows action taken by some members of Congress in response to the Saudi sovereign wealth fund-backed golf league’s deal with the US-based PGA Tour.

Ngolo Kante

Saudi soccer team secures N’Golo Kante move from Chelsea

The transfer would mark an increasing Saudi influence in the world of sport, with Al-Ittihad recently buying French superstar Karim Benzema from Real Madrid.

Manchester United's English striker Marcus Rashford (C) and Manchester City's English defender Kyle Walker (R) compete during the English FA Cup final football match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley stadium, in London, on June 3, 2023. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Qatari royal’s Manchester United takeover to be announced ‘soon’: report

Al-Watan paper, which is owned by Jassim’s father Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, reported late Sunday that the Qatari bid for the Red Devils had been successful.

A general view of the clubhouse during day two of the LIV Golf Invitational - DC at Trump National Golf Club, Sterling, Virginia, May 27, 2023.

Analysis

Saudi-funded LIV Golf merger with PGA Tour changes US sports landscape

The Saudi Public Investment Fund now holds a major stake in a US sports competition, leading to both economic and political ramifications. Criticism of the Saudi investment in professional golf is continuing, including in Congress.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

A Saudi fan holds a scarf with portraits of King Salman (L) and his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Analysis

What MBS' latest sports reforms mean for soccer in Saudi Arabia

Talk of privatization of the sports sector is nothing new in the kingdom, but experts believe the changes might help the Saudi Pro League lure in more big names.

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema to leave Real Madrid for Saudi Arabia's Pro League

Reports emerged this week that the 35-year-old French striker was offered a two-year contract worth €400 million to move to the Saudi Pro League's Al Ittihad.

Belgium's supporters with a banner to ask for protection of migrant workers' rights in Qatar.

World Cup migrant workers still detained in Qatar: report

The Guardian has confirmed that three migrant workers from Pakistan and India arrested in January after their World Cup-related contracts were terminated remain in detention to this day.

Beatrice Farhat

By Beatrice Farhat

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

Raqqa’s first ever girls’ soccer team poses outside a pitch funded by Norwegian donors, April 25, 2023.

Syrian girls play soccer among ghosts of Islamic State

Raqqa's first-ever girls' soccer team is blooming where Islamic State once terrorized the society.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Angelo Ogbonna of West Ham United battles for possession with Rodrigo Moreno of Leeds United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at London Stadium on May 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim awaits Manchester United decision as West Ham rumors swirl

A report by El Pais linked the Qatari royal to the east London-based team.