The world of sports has witnessed a major shift in its landscape since the start of this year. With Saudi Arabian soccer clubs willing to splash unthinkable cash, it has become a coveted destination for the game’s stars. Athletes from other sports now want to move to Saudi too, with Giannis Antetokounmpo being the latest addition to the list.

Two Saudi clubs have given out contracts with a combined worth of over $514 million to Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr. It has particularly attracted the interest of the NBA superstar.

The impulsive thoughts of Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Saudi Pro League clubs Al Nassr and Al Hilal have reportedly signed Ronaldo and Neymar on contracts worth $214.04 million and $300 million, respectively. This has caused a lasting change in the global sports market as the bar of expectations from the athletes’ end has gone up. So, various other soccer players are now following in the footsteps of two of the biggest icons of the game.

This is no longer limited to only soccer as Giannis is now reportedly open to a move to a country 6928 miles away. Upon being asked about it, he jokingly said, “Of course”.”If the NBA worked out, maybe like a trade between the NBA and Saudi Arabia League, I’m there!” the two-time MVP later added.

The 28-year-old was upfront with his response and did not shy away from stating his preference. It was unclear whether the Milwaukee Bucks talisman hinted at a move as a basketball player or a soccer player. But this interaction proves one thing.

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The disruption of the global market

The Middle Eastern country has made it more difficult for sports teams of other nations to compete with their sheer wealth. With soccer undergoing an era-defining switch, other sports may soon follow. The fear of losing their sport’s biggest stars looms over all the top leagues at the moment.

The reason why basketball players from different continents want to compete in the NBA is the worldwide appeal of the league. In case Saudi intervenes, NBA possesses the risk of losing that.

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So, no matter how light the situation may look at the moment, the time has come for all the sports leagues to buckle up. The 2021 NBA champion may have meant those comments as a joke, but that might not remain the same sometime for now.