Saudi Arabia's Evolving Sports Strategy: Football and Esports Replace LIV Golf as PIF Pivots to 2034 World Cup

Reporting from The National on May 22 outlined Saudi Arabia's revised sports investment strategy following PIF's decision to end LIV Golf funding after 2026. The new focus consolidates around three pillars: association football (anchored by the 2034 FIFA World Cup hosting bid won in 2024 and the Saudi Pro League's aggressive player acquisition), the Qiddiya entertainment mega-city near Riyadh (projected to host an e-sport arena, theme parks, and live events), and esports as a growth sector targeting Saudi Arabia's young, digitally connected population (median age 29). PIF's sports subsidiary SRJ Sports Investments will manage the transition. Analysts noted the strategic pivot reflects both budget pressure from the Iran war-driven fiscal deficit and lessons learned from LIV Golf's limited brand-building returns relative to cost. The 2034 World Cup, estimated to require $20 billion in stadium and infrastructure investment, remains Vision 2030's highest-profile remaining mega-event.