The move gives PIF a larger ownership role in Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Hilal and Al Nassr. This comes as Saudi Arabia advances its sports privatization agenda.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport has begun transferring 25% stakes in the companies operating four of the country’s leading football clubs to the Public Investment Fund (PIF). This marks the second stage of their ownership transition.

The transfer, announced on Aug. 19 after the completion of the required regulatory procedures. This covers Al Ittihad Club Investment Co., Al Ahli Club Co., Al Hilal Club Co. and Al Nassr Club Co. The boards of the nonprofit entities representing the four clubs will also be dissolved.

Why You Should Care

The latest step moves four of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent clubs further toward an ownership structure. Moreover, this structure aims to strengthen their commercial and investment potential.

The Ministry of Sport said the transfer intends to reinforce corporate governance while supporting the clubs’ long-term sustainability and growth. It forms part of the Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project, which aims to develop the sector through new ownership and investment models.

The Details

The ownership restructuring began in June 2023, when Saudi Arabia announced plans to transform Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Hilal and Al Nassr into companies.

Under the original structure, each club company was to be owned by PIF alongside a nonprofit sports entity representing the respective club. The latest transfer moves the 25% stakes previously held by those nonprofit entities to PIF.

The change therefore gives PIF a larger ownership position in the four club companies while removing the nonprofit entities’ boards as part of the restructuring.

The Ministry of Sport said the move will strengthen the foundations for corporate governance and create a more sustainable platform for the clubs’ future development.

The Ripple

The ownership changes extend beyond the four clubs themselves. They form part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to develop its sports sector through investment, commercialization and stronger corporate structures.

For PIF, the move expands its role across four of the country’s most valuable and globally recognized football brands. For the clubs, the restructuring could provide a clearer corporate framework as they pursue longer-term commercial and sporting growth.

What to Watch

The next phase will be how the new ownership structure translates into stronger commercial operations and sustainable growth for the four clubs.

With the second stage of the ownership transfer now underway, the restructuring provides another step toward building a more investment-oriented Saudi sports sector and positioning its leading clubs for continued development.