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As one of the fastest-growing countries in the world, Saudi Arabia has been making waves in the field of sports with its ambitious plans to host major events and attract top athletes from around the globe. From Formula E to WWE, Saudi Arabia has been making hefty investments in various sports, and currently, golf is taking center stage in the country through the Saudi-based league, LIV Golf.
While the inaugural season of LIV Golf recently concluded, garnering worldwide attention, the question arises: what will be the next Saudi sports bet? It’s a difficult question to answer, but if one thing’s for sure, it’s that Saudi Arabia’s leadership is intent on cementing the country’s position as a top destination for sports and entertainment. Let’s dive deeper into the realm of possibilities and observe the potential candidates in this article.
Formula One
One of the most prominent rumors in recent times is that of Saudi Arabia being a potential host for the Formula One race. While the race calendar for 2021 is out, and Saudi Arabia doesn’t feature in it, both the F1 management and the Saudi royal family have hinted at the possibility in the near future. It’s easy to see why; the country has invested heavily in motorsports over the years, with the Saudi Arabia Dakar Rally and Formula E races happening in the country regularly. Given the enthusiasm shown by the locals, the F1’s arrival in Saudi Arabia could be a match made in heaven.
Football
As the world’s most popular sport, football has always been a dominant force in Saudi Arabia, with the national team participating in five World Cups. Recently, Saudi Arabia announced the formation of the Saudi Professional League, which, when merged with the Qatar-based league, would become the biggest football competition in the Middle East. Also, Saudi Arabia has hosted high-profile matches in the past, including the final of the Asian Cup in 2019 and the Spanish Super Cup a year later. With lucrative deals being made to lure foreign players and coaches, it wouldn’t be surprising if the country hosts a World Cup or invests in the establishment of a regional league.
Esports
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing pandemic, esports has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent times, and Saudi Arabia has been riding the trend successfully. The country’s gaming community has come a long way, with many Saudi players finishing on the podium in international esports tournaments. To further establish itself as an esports powerhouse, Saudi Arabia has launched a multi-million dollar esports championship, the GSA Esports Cup, inviting the world’s best players in various video games. It wouldn’t be a surprise if more such tournaments and leagues crop up in the country, given the ROI of esports in recent years.
Basketball
While football remains the country’s favorite sport, basketball has been on the rise thanks to the country’s Vision 2030 program. The nationwide initiative aims to promote sports and wellness, and basketball is a crucial part of it. Recently, the country hosted the SuperBasketball league, inviting players from around the world, including former NBA stars like Amare Stoudemire and Brandon Jennings. Following the success of the exhibition tournament, Saudi Arabia may host a full-fledged basketball league, inviting top players from around the world, resulting in significant returns on investment.
Professional Wrestling
Professional wrestling is a spectacle that’s more popular than ever, and Saudi Arabia has been quick to capitalize on it. In the past, Saudi Arabia has hosted WWE events like the Greatest Royal Rumble and the Crown Jewel, attracting thousands of visitors worldwide. With celebrities and popular wrestlers making appearances, such events have become a significant attraction. Given the overwhelming response to the past events, the country can host more such tournaments in the future to keep up the trend.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia has been unstoppable in its quest to establish itself as a global sports powerhouse. While LIV Golf has brought the country into the spotlight as a league that can attract big names, the possibilities discussed here show a broader vision to be a destination for sports and entertainment. Whether it’s Formula One, football, esports, basketball, or professional wrestling, it’s clear that one can expect more ambitious projects to come from Saudi Arabia in the future. It’s an exciting time for the kingdom, and the world can’t wait to see what lies ahead.
