$18.5 Billion Corp Follows Cristiano Ronaldo’s $500M Al Nassr Path & Eyes Investment in Saudi Pro League’s Al Riyadh: Reports

Cristiano Ronaldo bid Manchester adieu and joined Al Nassr in a lucrative $500 million deal. The move, although initially questioned by many, raked in significant commercial rewards for the Riyadh outfit. Eyeing shirt sales, match attendance, and sponsorships, a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, despite having a strong European presence, is reportedly trying to mirror this success by investing in the Saudi Pro League.

Red Bull has investments in some of the biggest European clubs. Notably, Bundesliga’s RB Leipzig, Austria’s RB Salzburg, and NY Red Bull in the MLS. Their $18.5 billion valuation has been secured over years of multi-sports involvement by the company.

Red Bull wants to mirror Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo move

The business model for sports investors takes a predictable path, as seen in the instances of the City group and Toed Boehly and his consortium. Acquire a club that has a good fan following and potential. Invest in scouting the appropriate players to qualify for the most rewarding leagues, and then cash in on the investment by selling them, while also earning broadcast revenue.

As reported, Red Bull now wants to buy the Saudi Pro League club, Al Riyadh. The Capital Club does not have a great history, but it does have one thing. A strong fan following in the same city as Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. This investment can be a move to profit in the same way other Saudi PIF-owned clubs do and enter the league system at the right time, especially with 2030 on the horizon.

The upcoming World Cup 2030 venue is yet to be decided and it seems Saudi Arabia is doing everything to win the bid. And allowing European investment may just be another avenue to get the country on the world map. Currently, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco have submitted a joint bid to host the World Cup. Alongside them are Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay who have also submitted a similar bid.

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Red Bull boasts ownership of various sports teams, such as the triumphant 2022 F1 World Championship winner, Red Bull Racing, F1’s AlphaTauri, and the competitive esports team OG. Notably, their expansive soccer scouting network has also left a lasting mark in Germany and throughout Europe.

A look at Red Bull’s acquisition of SSV Markranstadt

In 2010, Red Bull acquired SSV Markranstadt and renamed it RB Leipzig. They bypassed Germany’s 50+1 rule by limiting club ownership to just 17 Red Bull employees. High membership costs and selective application approvals reinforced the company’s control, enabling Leipzig’s swift rise through the German ranks. They reached the Bundesliga in a decade with four promotions in seven years. All because they scouted the right talent.

The scouting system boasts the likes of Tyler Adams, Caden Clark, and Brenden Aaronson. Red Bull has also scouted talents from Brazil. Most notably, Claudinho from Zenit and Igor from Fiorentina. The Salzburg-Leipzig connection is the most well-known, scouting and producing talents such as Naby Keita, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Dayot Upamecano. The climb up the league ladder has been bittersweet for Leipzig, there’s big money but are German fans ever on their side?

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