Under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport and the Ministry of Investment, the Sports Investment Forum 2025 will kick off on April 7 in Riyadh. The event will serve as the region’s premier gathering for the sports and investment industries, bringing together leading athletes, investors, government officials, club presidents and international experts to discuss key challenges and opportunities reshaping the sports economy locally and internationally.
Over the three days, the Sports Investment Forum 2025 will offer an exceptional opportunity for investors, business leaders and decision-makers in the sports sector. It will unite all relevant stakeholders to map out a strategic roadmap for the future of sports in Saudi Arabia.
Enhancing sports infrastructure for future growth
The forum will address several critical issues that enhance the sports sector’s appeal to investors through specialized panel discussions, workshops, an accompanying exhibition and an investment opportunities hall.
Topics will include sports infrastructure, focusing on the development of facilities and venues according to the latest global standards to improve fan experience and increase economic returns. The forum will also highlight human resources and talent empowerment by presenting strategies for developing national cadres and preparing them to lead the future of sports.
Chief Executive Officer of the Sports Investment Forum Ibrahim Al-Bakri emphasized the forum’s commitment to advancing sports infrastructure development and supporting clubs and sports academies. He noted that this aligns with Saudi Arabia’s dedication to creating an integrated sports environment that nurtures talent and enhances the sports economy.
Exploring public-private cooperation in sports
Al-Bakri also noted that the forum seeks to encourage investments and explore new opportunities for cooperation between the public and private sectors, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a global sports destination.
He also expressed pride in the Kingdom’s successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s exceptional role on the international sports stage.
The Sports Investment Forum 2025 will feature dialogue sessions and workshops addressing topics such as sports tourism, smart stadium technologies and club financing. An accompanying exhibition will showcase state-of-the-art innovations in the sports sector, while a dedicated event will highlight Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop both the sports and investment sectors.
Increasing female participation in sports
Women in sports will also be a key focus of the Sports Investment Forum 2025, showcasing efforts to increase female participation across various sports fields, both in competitions and leadership positions. Discussions on global tournaments and hosting will explore the economic and social impact of major sporting events and their influence on sports tourism.
The forum will also examine sports investment diversification, identifying new opportunities in club ownership, commercial partnerships, private investment and specialized funds.
Furthermore, the Sports Investment Forum 2025 will be accompanied by a sports exhibition featuring leading companies in the industry, showcasing the latest innovations and solutions that support the sector’s growth. Meanwhile, the investment opportunities hall will provide an ideal setting for investors to explore available opportunities across various areas of the sports industry.
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Empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs
The Sports Investment Forum 2025 has highlighted its strategy to attract global headquarters, investments and specialized factories while strengthening ties between the sports and private sectors, with a focus on empowering entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to play a greater role in developing the sports industry.
In this context, the forum announced earlier this year, a partnership agreement with a specialized sports consultancy and management company, designating it as the forum’s commercial partner. This collaboration aims to bolster the forum’s marketing and strategic efforts, highlight investment opportunities in the sports sector, and connect SMEs with promising prospects.
The forum is expected to significantly enhance collaboration opportunities among local and international investors, support entrepreneurs in the sports sector, and drive SME growth, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s status as a global leader in sports investment.
