What’s happening
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a dominant force in international sports, and track and field could be its next major acquisition. The kingdom’s $930 billion Public Investment Fund (PIF), through its sports investment arm SURJ, is in talks with World Athletics to create a new commercial entity, a deal reportedly valued at $635 million (USD).
Why it matters
This potential investment would give Saudi Arabia significant influence over the commercial side of track and field, marking yet another major push into global sports. It also raises serious ethical concerns given the kingdom’s human rights record and use of sports to launder its international reputation.
Who’s involved
- World Athletics, the governing body responsible for major international track and field competitions, confirmed that discussions are ongoing but emphasized that not every negotiation results in a finalized deal.
- The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is the kingdom’s financial powerhouse, with ownership stakes in multiple global sports entities, including LIV Golf, Newcastle United, and DAZN.
- Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly criticized Saudi Arabia’s use of sports to deflect attention from its human rights violations.
- The World Athletics Council, not national member federations, holds the authority to approve commercial partnerships, meaning the deal could be finalized without requiring a broader vote from national sports organizations.
By the numbers
- $930 billion – The total estimated value of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
- $600 million – The reported value of the potential investment into World Athletics.
- $50,000 – The amount World Athletics is now paying Olympic gold medalists.
- $10 million – The prize fund for the upcoming World Athletics Ultimate Championship in 2026.
- 2034 – The year Saudi Arabia is set to host the FIFA World Cup, a move that has drawn significant controversy.
- $17.1 million – The financial loss World Athletics recorded in 2022, highlighting the need for increased funding and revenue sources.
The bigger picture
Track and field is undergoing significant shifts, with new private leagues emerging as financial competitors:
- Grand Slam Track, an independent league, is set to launch with higher salaries and prize money than the traditional Diamond League.
- Mo Farah’s RunGP and Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian’s Athlos League are also aiming to disrupt the track and field landscape.
- In response, World Athletics has implemented Olympic medalist prize money ($50,000 for gold medalists) and announced the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, set to debut in 2026 with a $10 million prize fund.
The Controversy
- Saudi Arabia’s autocratic government faces widespread condemnation for human rights abuses, including the suppression of political dissent, discrimination against women, and criminalization of homosexuality.
- Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, who oversees the PIF, has been directly linked to the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
- Critics argue that this latest move is another example of “sportswashing,” where the kingdom uses sports to mask its controversial political and social practices.
What’s next
If the deal moves forward, track and field could see a major financial boost, but at a potentially significant reputational cost. World Athletics must decide whether the influx of Saudi money is worth the ethical risks—or if it can afford to walk away.
Bottom line
Saudi Arabia’s track and field ambitions extend beyond business—they’re part of a calculated strategy to reshape the kingdom’s global image. The sport faces a critical decision: accept the funding and grow, or take a stand against a regime with a contentious human rights record.
