The vehicle created by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, SRJ Sports Investments, is making the kingdom’s first foray into mixed martial arts by investing $100M in the Professional Fighters League and “creating a regional tournament,” according to Samer Al-Atrush of the FINANCIAL TIMES. Sources said that the acquisition of the minority stake was the “first deal by SRJ Sports Investments” since Saudi Arabia’s $650B Public Investment Fund established the vehicle earlier this year. The transaction marks the PIF’s “first significant involvement” in MMA. Sources said that under the deal, the PFL would “establish a Middle East and north Africa league in the second quarter of 2024” with the venture having it headquarters in Saudi Arabia. Al-Atrush notes Saudi Arabia has “already hosted high-profile boxing matches.” But sources said that the stake in PFL “signaled a shift towards hosting leagues.” The PFL’s Middle East league will be “one of six regional leagues where martial artists compete in seasons then go on to fight in a global championship.” The move will “challenge” the neighboring United Arab Emirates, which has “long been the patron of combat sports in the region.” The UAE “previously held a stake” in UFC. Al-Atrush notes the stake in PFL “follows the template for previous Saudi investments in sectors where it wants to expand” (FINANCIAL TIMES, 8/30).
Saudi Arabia's newly formed SRJ Sports Investments buys minority stake in PFL
