LIV Golf News: Exploring PIF’s Top 3 Sports Investments Amid PGA Tour Merger

The PIF is one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, with a net value of more than $650 billion. It is controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al-Saud, chairperson of the fund’s board of directors. As a key part of its 2030 vision, Saudi PIF is investing heavily in the sports fraternity all across the globe. Everyone knows PIF’s investment in the golf world, LIV Golf! The Backway League has been nothing less than a trailblazing league that brought about a revolution in golf.

The PIF’s governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, is slated to meet with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan on New Year’s Eve to finalize the historic $3 billion merger details. However, golf is not the only sport PIF is focusing on. To diversify the Saudi economy, some other sports that PIF has invested in are as follows:

1. Soccer

The PIF has been eyeing the lucrative and popular soccer market for a long time and has made several attempts to acquire or partner with clubs and leagues around the world. In 2023, they succeeded and acquired a 75% ownership stake in four prominent football clubs in the country, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al Nassr.

In addition to Al Nassr, the Saudi Public Investment Fund also has a majority ownership stake in Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, and Al Hilal, the latter being the Asian Champions League winners in 2019 and 2021. In all four teams, PIF owns a 75% stake. If reports are to be believed, the Saudi fund spent nearly $875.4 million from June to September to poach foreign players.

The PIF also owns the Premier League club Newcastle, which has expanded its soccer portfolio. PIF paid approximately £305 million ($372 million) to buy the majority (80%) stake in the aforementioned club.

2. Formula 1

The PIF also has an interest in Formula 1, as they want to buy stakes in Liberty Media, the owner of Formula 1. However, they have reportedly turned down an offer from PIF to acquire the racing series. The PIF valued F1 at over US$20 billion and expressed interest in the purchase, but Liberty Media, currently enjoying increasing profitability from the asset, has no intention of selling.

Notably, Liberty Media initially acquired Formula One in 2017 for US$4.4 billion, and the series is presently estimated to have a market value of around US$15.2 billion. Despite the substantial offer, Liberty Media remains steadfast in retaining ownership of the highly lucrative motorsport entity.

A Saudi-based company, Aramco, is one of the biggest F1 sponsors at the global level. Since 2021, Saudi Arabia has been home to a grand prix, with the latest one being held on March 19, 2023.

3. Boxing

The PIF has also shown a keen interest in boxing, one of the most popular and lucrative combat sports in the world. The fund has been involved in hosting and sponsoring some of the biggest fights and events in boxing history, such as the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019.

In August 2023, the PIF bought a stake in MMA’s Professional Fighters League. PFL disclosed that SRJ Sports Investments, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, acquired a minority stake in the company.

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These are just some of the examples of how the PIF has been using its wealth and influence to shape the future of sports, both in Saudi Arabia and around the world. With the PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger, the PIF is set to make another major impact on the golfing landscape.

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