In a move set to redefine the landscape of sports investment in the Kingdom, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Alsaud is reportedly in the final stages of a historic deal to acquire 100% ownership of Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club. The acquisition, valued at an unprecedented $2 billion (SAR 7.5 billion), signals a new era of private sector involvement in Saudi sports.
The announcement of the completed deal is expected before the end of December, with only minor details remaining to be finalized.
A New Benchmark for Sports Investment
The $2 billion valuation for Al-Hilal establishes a significant new benchmark for the valuation of sports entities within Saudi Arabia and the wider region. This deal is not just a transaction but a powerful statement on the commercial potential and growing appeal of the Saudi sports sector, reflecting increasing confidence among high-profile private investors.
For Al-Hilal, one of the most prominent and successful football clubs in the Kingdom, this acquisition represents a major milestone that could set a precedent for how Saudi clubs approach ownership and investment in the future.
A Year of Negotiations
According to reports, the complex negotiations for this landmark acquisition have been ongoing for approximately one year. The extended timeline underscores the meticulous nature of the deal and the strong, sustained interest from the private sector in securing top-tier sports assets as part of the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy.
The Broader Privatization Landscape
While the Al-Hilal deal nears completion, other major Saudi clubs remain in earlier stages of investment discussions. Al-Ittihad, currently owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is in ongoing negotiations with several potential investors, a process that could extend for several more months.
Similarly, clubs such as Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli are also on a comparable timeline for potential ownership changes. For other clubs, including Al-Shabab and Al-Ettifaq, investment offers have not yet reached an advanced stage, with potential deals possibly extending into late next year. This highlights the Al-Hilal acquisition as a frontrunner in the league’s privatization push.
About Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club
Founded in 1957 and based in Riyadh, Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club is one of the most decorated clubs in Asia and the most successful football club in Saudi Arabia. Known as “Al-Za’eem” (The Leaders), the club has won a record number of domestic and continental titles, making it a powerhouse in Asian football and a cornerstone of the Saudi Professional League.
Source: Waya
