Saudi Arabia complete deal to host WTA Finals: The background, the backlash and the money
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia complete deal to host WTA Finals: The background, the backlash and the money

New York Times  

The women’s professional tennis tour will hold its season-ending WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia for the next three years, marking the latest step in the country’s huge investment in the elite level of the sport. Saudi Arabia’s tennis federation and the country’s sports ministry have committed to awarding $15.25million at the WTA Finals in 2024, with further increases in 2025 and 2026. “Hosting the WTA Finals is absolutely huge for the future of tennis in Saudi Arabia and growing sport in general, especially amongst our young girls,” Arij Mutabagani, president of the Saudi Tennis Federation and the first elected female president of any Saudi Arabian sports federation, said in a statement. There are no guarantees that fans will show up in Riyadh, but Simon said the Saudis were as “committed as we are to build and have good attendance for the event.” That would play into another major focus for Saudi Arabia’s recent string of investments in sports — to shift its image and economy from one built largely around petroleum into that of a modern society with broad cultural and economic interests that is open to the world.

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History of this topic

If cricket is ripe for a takeover, Saudi Arabia seems ready for it
2 days ago

If cricket is ripe for a takeover, Saudi Arabia seems ready for it

The Hindu  

It has been in the air for a while. Going by how other sports caved, and given the gradual rise in Saudi’s involvement in the game, cricket seems ripe for a takeover. The Daily Telegraph headline: ‘Saudi Arabia ready to park tanks on cricket’s lawns’ captures the wariness with which Saudi Arabia’s new-found love for cricket is being received. Saudi …

Egypt asks to host a few matches of 2034 FIFA World Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia
1 week, 1 day ago

Egypt asks to host a few matches of 2034 FIFA World Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia

The Hindu  

Egypt has requested the right to host a set of group-stage matches for the 2034 World Cup which will be held in Saudi Arabia, the African country’s football federation president said on Wednesday. “Saudi Arabia will stand up and organise a historic edition of the World Cup, and we wish our Saudi brothers every success,” Hany Abo Rida said during …

Saudi Arabia’s plans to host the men’s World Cup 2034 will be harmful for the climate, experts say
Trending News
3 months, 1 week ago

Saudi Arabia’s plans to host the men’s World Cup 2034 will be harmful for the climate, experts say

Associated Press  

As the newly-named host of the 2034 World Cup in men’s soccer, Saudi Arabia says it will construct or renovate 15 stadiums, create a futuristic city and expand airports in a massive buildout to accommodate millions of athletes, coaches and spectators. The King Abdullah sports city stadium stands in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, on the eve of …

Explained: Why announcement of Saudi Arabia as 2034 FIFA World Cup hosts is controversial
Trending News
3 months, 1 week ago

Explained: Why announcement of Saudi Arabia as 2034 FIFA World Cup hosts is controversial

Firstpost  

The announcement of Saudi Arabia being named as hosts of the 2034 FIFA World Cup has created controversy among the human rights groups. The announcement of Saudi Arabia hosting the FIFA World Cup in 10 years’ time, however, has raised controversy. Why is Saudi Arabia hosting 2034 FIFA World Cup controversial There are still 10 more years for the 2034 …

Saudi Arabia to host FIFA World Cup 2034; THESE countries to co-host 2030 edition
3 months, 1 week ago

Saudi Arabia to host FIFA World Cup 2034; THESE countries to co-host 2030 edition

Live Mint  

FIFA has decided the host for the 2034 World Cup and the 2030 World Cup. As per FIFA, Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup 2034 while FIFA World Cup 2030 which is the 100th edition of the tournament, will be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Along with this, the 2030 centenary matches of FIFA World Cup …

FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host
Top News
3 months, 1 week ago

FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host

Deccan Chronicle  

Lausanne: FIFA on Wednesday confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup, underlining the Gulf kingdom's growing influence in world sport despite criticism of the country's human rights record. "It is a proud day, a day of celebration, a day that we invite the entire world to Saudi Arabia," said Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal al Saud, the …

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup. But when exactly?
3 months, 1 week ago

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup. But when exactly?

Associated Press  

ZURICH — Saudi Arabia scored a major win in its campaign to attract major sports events to the kingdom when it was formally appointed as the 2034 World Cup host on Wednesday. Surely not in the traditional World Cup period of June-July, when temperatures in Saudi Arabia routinely exceed 40 Celsius. In an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, …

Saudi Arabia confirmed as 2034 World Cup hosts at online FIFA Congress
Trending News
3 months, 1 week ago

Saudi Arabia confirmed as 2034 World Cup hosts at online FIFA Congress

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Saudi Arabia’s hugely controversial hosting of the 2034 …

FA explains decision to back Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup hosts despite human rights concerns
3 months, 1 week ago

FA explains decision to back Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup hosts despite human rights concerns

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Football Association has explained its decision to …

FIFA names Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host; Spain, Portugal and Morocco to co-host 2030 edition
3 months, 1 week ago

FIFA names Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host; Spain, Portugal and Morocco to co-host 2030 edition

The Hindu  

Saudi Arabia has been officially confirmed by International Federation of Association Football as host of the 2034 World Cup in men’s soccer, giving the oil-rich kingdom its biggest prize yet for massive spending on global sports driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi and international rights groups and activists warned FIFA it has not learned the lessons of Qatar’s …

Saudi Arabia confirmed as hosts for 2034 FIFA World Cup; FIFA approves 2030 edition hosts too
3 months, 1 week ago

Saudi Arabia confirmed as hosts for 2034 FIFA World Cup; FIFA approves 2030 edition hosts too

Firstpost  

Apart from confirming Saudi Arabia as the hosts for 2034 FIFA World Cup, FIFA on Wednesday also approved the hosts for the 2030 World Cup. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has ushered in a new era for our nation, guiding our people’s dreams and aspirations.#WelcomeToSaudi34 pic.twitter.com/HhJ85xMDCU — Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034™️ December 11, 2024 On Tuesday, the …

Saudi Arabia to host 2034 FIFA World Cup; Spain, Portugal and Morocco co-host of 2030 WC
3 months, 1 week ago

Saudi Arabia to host 2034 FIFA World Cup; Spain, Portugal and Morocco co-host of 2030 WC

India Today  

FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 Men's World Cup, while the 2030 edition will be held in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with additional matches in three South American countries. The combined proposal from Morocco, Spain and Portugal will see the 2030 World Cup take place across three continents and six nations, with Uruguay, Argentina and …

The silence surrounding Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034 confirmation reveals Fifa’s grand plan
3 months, 1 week ago

The silence surrounding Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034 confirmation reveals Fifa’s grand plan

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As late as Monday evening, members of the …

FA to back Saudi Arabia’s bid to host 2034 World Cup
3 months, 1 week ago

FA to back Saudi Arabia’s bid to host 2034 World Cup

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Football Association will support Saudi Arabia’s bid …

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup
Top News
3 months, 1 week ago

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup

Associated Press  

ZURICH — Saudi Arabia was officially confirmed Wednesday by FIFA as host of the 2034 World Cup in men’s soccer, giving the oil-rich kingdom its biggest prize yet for massive spending on global sports driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. AP AUDIO: FIFA names Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host; Spain, Portugal and Morocco to co-host 2030 edition …

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup — a controversial pick
3 months, 1 week ago

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup — a controversial pick

NPR  

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup — a controversial pick toggle caption Mahmoud Khaled/Getty Images The world's largest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup, will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2034, soccer's governing body announced Wednesday — a controversial selection that has already drawn criticism from human rights groups. And it is the biggest jewel yet …

FIFA names Saudi Arabia as World Cup 2034 host; Morocco to co-stage 2030
3 months, 1 week ago

FIFA names Saudi Arabia as World Cup 2034 host; Morocco to co-stage 2030

Al Jazeera  

FIFA Congress confirms the Middle East nation’s bid for 2034 – with Morocco, Spain and Portugal to co-host 2030 edition. The world footballing body, FIFA, has officially named Saudi Arabia as the host nation of the FIFA World Cup 2034. The Extraordinary FIFA Congress meeting, held on Wednesday, also confirmed Morocco, Spain and Portugal as co-hosts of the 2030 World …

Saudi Arabia officially announced as the 2034 World Cup host. Human rights groups warn of ‘unimaginable human cost’
3 months, 1 week ago

Saudi Arabia officially announced as the 2034 World Cup host. Human rights groups warn of ‘unimaginable human cost’

CNN  

CNN — Global soccer governing body FIFA has officially announced the hosts for the next two men’s World Cups. Michael Page, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch, recently warned of an “unimaginable human cost” to hosting arguably the world’s biggest sporting event in Saudi Arabia. In its report, FIFA added that “there is a good …

FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host, six nations as 2030 hosts – all you need to know
3 months, 1 week ago

FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host, six nations as 2030 hosts – all you need to know

New York Times  

Saudi Arabia has been officially confirmed as the host nation of the 2034 men’s World Cup. GO DEEPER Report on 2034 World Cup bidders Saudi Arabia is 'flawed', say 11 human rights groups The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico while the 2030 version will be hosted across three continents and six nations. …

Saudi Arabia to host FIFA World Cup 2034: When and where will it be staged?
3 months, 1 week ago

Saudi Arabia to host FIFA World Cup 2034: When and where will it be staged?

Al Jazeera  

Months of speculation about the World Cup 2034 host were put to rest when FIFA awarded the tournament to Saudi Arabia. Football’s world governing body, FIFA, confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host country for the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday. Securing the 2034 FIFA World Cup was a central part of the kingdom’s “Vision 2030” economic strategy, spearheaded by the …

The silence surrounding Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034 confirmation reveals Fifa’s grand plan
3 months, 1 week ago

The silence surrounding Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034 confirmation reveals Fifa’s grand plan

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As late as Monday evening, members of the …

World Cup hosting decisions set to kick off a decade of scrutiny on Saudi Arabia and FIFA
3 months, 1 week ago

World Cup hosting decisions set to kick off a decade of scrutiny on Saudi Arabia and FIFA

Associated Press  

GENEVA — The inevitable result has been clear since last year: Saudi Arabia will be confirmed by FIFA as the 2034 World Cup host on Wednesday. FIFA published each member’s choice in June 2018 in Moscow when the United States, Canada and Mexico won the 2026 World Cup hosting vote 134-65 against Morocco. There is skepticism FIFA and Saudi Arabia …

IOC official open to back-to-back World Cup in Saudi Arabia and Salt Lake Olympics in early 2034
3 months, 2 weeks ago

IOC official open to back-to-back World Cup in Saudi Arabia and Salt Lake Olympics in early 2034

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Scheduling the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia back-to-back with the 2034 Salt Lake City Winter Games would pose “no risk” to the Olympics, a senior IOC official said Tuesday. Dubi’s comments suggested January 2034 is surprisingly open for FIFA and Saudi Arabia to stage soccer’s marquee event despite a near-clash with the Salt Lake City Olympics that …

Saudi Arabia’s network of spending and influence detailed before getting 2034 World Cup from FIFA
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia’s network of spending and influence detailed before getting 2034 World Cup from FIFA

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Saudi Arabia’s growing influence and massive spending in global sports ahead of being confirmed by FIFA as the 2034 World Cup host was detailed on Monday in a report that cited risks to good governance off the field. The oil-rich kingdom’s investment of tens of billions of dollars in soccer, golf, boxing, tennis, the Esports Olympics and a …

FIFA inspection praises Saudi Arabia bid to host 2034 World Cup ahead of Dec. 11 decision
3 months, 2 weeks ago

FIFA inspection praises Saudi Arabia bid to host 2034 World Cup ahead of Dec. 11 decision

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Ahead of giving Saudi Arabia the men’s 2034 World Cup to host, FIFA approved the quality of its bid in a 110-page evaluation Saturday that noted higher risks related to human rights in the oil-rich kingdom. On Dec. 11, in a scheduled online meeting of 211 national soccer federations, FIFA will ask them to acclaim without an itemized …

Saudi Arabia win bid to host FIFA World Cup 2034, record highest bidding ratings
Top News
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia win bid to host FIFA World Cup 2034, record highest bidding ratings

India TV News  

Saudi Arabia are cleared to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup after recording the historic bidding ratings on Saturday. Saudi Arabia will solely host the World Cup in the winter season of 2034 after beating a joint bid from the USA, Canada and Mexico. FIFA is expected to officially confirm Saudi Arabia as hosts for the World Cup on December …

Female tennis players accused of complicity in Saudi Arabia 'sportswashing'
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Female tennis players accused of complicity in Saudi Arabia 'sportswashing'

ABC  

As the world's best female tennis players take to the court in Riyadh for the "crown jewel" event of the year, a young fitness instructor languishes in a Saudi prison. "I see that tennis players and those promoting Saudi Arabia are not contributing to change by their participation," Ms al-Otaibi said. But fellow former champions Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova …

Tim Henman hits out as embarrassing crowd of 400 watch women’s finals in Saudi Arabia
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Tim Henman hits out as embarrassing crowd of 400 watch women’s finals in Saudi Arabia

The Telegraph  

Tim Henman has become the latest tennis legend to question the staging of the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, although his concerns focused less on sportswashing than the absence of spectators in the stands. Henman – the former British No 1 who now commentates for Sky Sports – was among the frustrated observers as the second day of the WTA …

WTA chief’s awkward backtrack after defending Saudi Arabia visit
4 months, 2 weeks ago

WTA chief’s awkward backtrack after defending Saudi Arabia visit

The Telegraph  

Portia Archer, the new chief executive of the WTA Tour, was forced to backtrack awkwardly as she attempted to defend the staging of this weekend’s Finals event in Saudi Arabia. While WTA founder Billie Jean King has backed the move, saying “I don’t think you really change unless you engage”, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert penned a critical joint letter …

Coco Gauff looks for Saudi Arabia progress at WTA Finals; ‘probably wouldn’t come back’ without it
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Coco Gauff looks for Saudi Arabia progress at WTA Finals; ‘probably wouldn’t come back’ without it

New York Times  

RIYADH — Coco Gauff has said that she “probably wouldn’t come back” to Saudi Arabia for tennis events if she feels that change is not happening in the country. I think sports for me, I would say is the easiest way to kind of introduce that.” Pegula said: “Even though I know it’s not perfect for everyone involved, I think …

WTA chief executive Portia Archer defends Tour Finals ‘values’ ahead of Saudi Arabia tournament
4 months, 2 weeks ago

WTA chief executive Portia Archer defends Tour Finals ‘values’ ahead of Saudi Arabia tournament

New York Times  

RIYADH — Women’s Tennis Association chief executive officer Portia Archer has defended staging the WTA Tour Finals in Saudi Arabia in her first major address to the media since starting the role in July. “I don’t feel that there’s some limit, but I certainly know that there are cases and instances where we won’t go to certain countries if we …

Saudi Arabia's World Cup ambitions are 'boosted by key FIFA voting change' as the oil-rich nation looks to be named 2034 tournament hosts at upcoming election
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia's World Cup ambitions are 'boosted by key FIFA voting change' as the oil-rich nation looks to be named 2034 tournament hosts at upcoming election

Daily Mail  

LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off!, available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday Saudi Arabia are desperate to be named 2034 hosts of the famous competition FIFA have announced a change to the voting process of nations wanting to host the World Cup in a move that massively boosts Saudi Arabia's ambitions, according to reports. …

Saudi Arabia details ambitious 2034 World Cup stadiums and project building plan to FIFA
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia details ambitious 2034 World Cup stadiums and project building plan to FIFA

Associated Press  

PARIS — Saudi Arabia detailed a massive stadium building project Wednesday to host the 2034 World Cup in men’s soccer, with one venue 350 meters above ground in a planned futuristic city. A 46,000-seat stadium in the Neom megaproject along the Red Sea coast is “designed to stand out among the world’s most iconic landmarks,” according to the first overall …

Saudi Arabia pushes equal pay at launch of women’s tennis finals
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia pushes equal pay at launch of women’s tennis finals

The Hindu  

Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday it wanted to “send a strong message” about equal pay in men’s and women’s tennis when it hosts the women’s tour finals in November. Nevertheless, the Women’s Tennis Association announced in April that Riyadh would host the next three editions of the tour finals, featuring the top eight singles players and doubles teams. “I think …

Martina Navratilova: WTA in Saudi is one step from going to North Korea
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Martina Navratilova: WTA in Saudi is one step from going to North Korea

The Telegraph  

Martina Navratilova has strongly criticised the WTA’s move to Saudi Arabia, saying it is one step away from being as bad as “going to North Korea”. Earlier this month the WTA announced Saudi Arabia would host its tour-end Finals for the next three years, beginning this November with a record-breaking £12 million prize money on offer. “We’re going to Saudi …

Buying into women’s tennis was Saudi Arabia’s obvious next step but brings new questions
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Buying into women’s tennis was Saudi Arabia’s obvious next step but brings new questions

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Now, the …

Saudi Arabia will host the women's tennis WTA Finals for the next three years
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia will host the women's tennis WTA Finals for the next three years

Hindustan Times  

Saudi Arabia will host the WTA Finals as part of a three-year deal announced Thursday by the women’s professional tennis tour that will increase the prize money for this November’s season-ending championship to a record $15.25 million, a 70% increase from 2023. “We’re going into this eyes wide open that the investment in sport by Saudi certainly provokes strong views …

Saudi Arabia will host the women’s tennis WTA Finals for the next three years
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia will host the women’s tennis WTA Finals for the next three years

Associated Press  

Saudi Arabia will host the WTA Finals as part of a three-year deal announced Thursday by the women’s professional tennis tour that will increase the prize money for this November’s season-ending championship to a record $15.25 million, a 70% increase from 2023. “We’re going into this eyes wide open that the investment in sport by Saudi certainly provokes strong views …

Ten Years From Home World Cup, Saudi Arabia Sizes Up 'Huge Challenge'
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Ten Years From Home World Cup, Saudi Arabia Sizes Up 'Huge Challenge'

News 18  

A decade before it hosts football’s World Cup, the size of the task facing Saudi Arabia is becoming apparent, including building stadiums, hotels and transport links. “We still have 10 full years ahead of us that will see the state of stadiums in Saudi Arabia change radically,” a Saudi Football Federation official told AFP. – Clifftop stadium – Saudi Arabia, …

The four Grand Slams, the two tours and Saudi Arabia are all hoping to revamp tennis
1 year ago

The four Grand Slams, the two tours and Saudi Arabia are all hoping to revamp tennis

Associated Press  

On this, the leaders of tennis can agree: There is more money out there to be made. Well, that’s open to discussion — and there is plenty of that happening now behind closed doors, conversations and negotiations about the future of tennis among the folks who run the Grand Slam tournaments and other events, the women’s WTA and men’s ATP …

The four Grand Slams, the two tours and Saudi Arabia are all hoping to revamp tennis
1 year ago

The four Grand Slams, the two tours and Saudi Arabia are all hoping to revamp tennis

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Well, that's open to discussion — and there is …

Saudi Arabia launches formal bid to host 2034 World Cup in FIFA contest effectively already won
1 year ago

Saudi Arabia launches formal bid to host 2034 World Cup in FIFA contest effectively already won

The Hindu  

Saudi Arabia launched its formal bid campaign Friday to host the 2034 World Cup, in a race that basically became a formality last October when the oil-rich kingdom was the only candidate to enter the contest. FIFA is expected to rubber-stamp Saudi Arabia as host in an uncontested vote by the governing body’s 211 member federations before the end of …

Saudi Arabia launches formal bid to host 2034 World Cup in FIFA contest effectively already won
1 year ago

Saudi Arabia launches formal bid to host 2034 World Cup in FIFA contest effectively already won

Associated Press  

Saudi Arabia launched its formal bid campaign Friday to host the 2034 World Cup, in a race that basically became a formality last October when the oil-rich kingdom was the only candidate to enter the contest. FIFA is expected to rubber-stamp Saudi Arabia as host in an uncontested vote by the governing body’s 211 member federations before the end of …

Saudi Arabia launch bid campaign for 2034 World Cup
1 year ago

Saudi Arabia launch bid campaign for 2034 World Cup

New York Times  

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has officially launched its bid campaign to host the men’s World Cup in 2034. Together”, SAFF says its bid seeks to highlight the parallel between Saudi Arabia’s rapid development and the transformative potential of hosting the World Cup while the logo is made up of intertwined rows of multi-coloured ribbons, displaying football and cultural symbols. …

Saudi Arabia’s PIF and the ATP tennis tour have a 5-year sponsorship deal that includes the rankings
1 year ago

Saudi Arabia’s PIF and the ATP tennis tour have a 5-year sponsorship deal that includes the rankings

Associated Press  

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the men’s professional tennis tour have agreed to a five-year partnership that includes naming rights for the ATP rankings, the latest move by the kingdom into that sport and others. Pepperstone had ATP chief executive Massimo Calvelli called the new agreement “a major moment for tennis,” and the tour’s announcement touted ways in which …

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to headline new ‘Six Kings Slam’ in Saudi Arabia
1 year, 1 month ago

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to headline new ‘Six Kings Slam’ in Saudi Arabia

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our …

Saudi Arabia line up Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz for exhibition event
1 year, 1 month ago

Saudi Arabia line up Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz for exhibition event

The Telegraph  

Saudi Arabia dropped a depth charge into the tennis world on Monday night with the announcement of a multi-million-dollar exhibition event featuring Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and four other leading men. Although the official announcement was light on details, sources believe that the prize money on offer for the winner could be as much as $6 million, with the six …

Djokovic, Nadal and Alcaraz heading to Saudi Arabia for ‘6 Kings Slam’ exhibition
1 year, 1 month ago

Djokovic, Nadal and Alcaraz heading to Saudi Arabia for ‘6 Kings Slam’ exhibition

New York Times  

Another day, another incursion by Saudi Arabia into major professional sports. The country’s General Entertainment Authority announced on Monday that a tennis event it is calling the “6 Kings Slam” will take place this October in Riyadh and feature Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. The event will be an exhibition and not count for points or be a …

Saudi Arabia’s takeover of world sport: Football, golf, boxing and now tennis?
1 year, 1 month ago

Saudi Arabia’s takeover of world sport: Football, golf, boxing and now tennis?

New York Times  

Saudi Arabia is attempting to rebuild its image and prepare for a world without oil — and sport is a key part of its strategy. Saudi Arabia’s smaller neighbour Qatar hosted the 2022 men’s football World Cup and many other competitions, but Saudi has even more cash to splash and limitless ambitions in doing so. HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid …

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