RIYADH (The Thursday Times) — Saudi Arabia has reportedly been engaged in discussions to acquire Qatari sports broadcaster BeIN Sports, marking a potential significant development in the sports media landscape of the Middle East. Negotiations began shortly after the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) took over Newcastle United in 2021, and discussions have continued since. If successful, this acquisition could reshape the dynamic between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, two nations that have had historically strained relations, particularly in the context of media and broadcasting.
BeIN Sports, a major player in sports broadcasting, has been central to the broadcasting of many premier international sports events, including the Premier League, Formula One, and the NBA, across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. A potential acquisition by Saudi Arabia would see the country expanding its already considerable influence in global sports, adding to its growing portfolio of sports-related investments.
A history of tensions between Saudi Arabia and BeIN
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and BeIN Sports has been tumultuous. In 2017, Saudi Arabia imposed a ban on BeIN, accusing the network of supporting Qatari interests during the Gulf diplomatic crisis. This ban led to the rise of BeoutQ, a pirate streaming service that illegally broadcast BeIN content. Qatar alleged that BeoutQ had support from Saudi Arabia, which exacerbated tensions between the two nations.
In 2021, Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on BeIN as part of the resolution to the Gulf diplomatic crisis, a move seen as essential for Saudi Arabia’s successful takeover of Newcastle United. BeIN’s opposition to the deal was rooted in its concerns over piracy, as it held key broadcasting rights to the Premier League. The removal of the ban on BeIN played a pivotal role in gaining Premier League approval for the PIF’s acquisition of Newcastle United.
However, the investment negotiations faced further complications when Saudi Arabia blocked access to BeIN’s TOD.tv streaming service during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This ban prevented Saudi fans from watching several key matches, raising further tensions between BeIN and Saudi authorities.
BeIN’s stronghold on MENA sports broadcasting rights
Despite the challenges posed by the earlier ban and subsequent issues surrounding TOD.tv, BeIN has solidified its grip on major sports broadcasting rights in the MENA region. The network has secured broadcast rights to a range of top-tier sports, including the NBA, Formula One, and all four tennis grand slams. BeIN has also reportedly renewed its broadcasting partnership with the Premier League for the upcoming rights cycle, ensuring its continued dominance in the region.
A successful acquisition by Saudi Arabia would grant the kingdom access to these premier sports events, potentially boosting its influence in the region’s sports broadcasting market. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader ambitions to become a key player in the global sports industry, a move that has seen the country significantly expand its sports investment portfolio.
Saudi Arabia’s growing sports investment portfolio
Saudi Arabia has made clear strides in its sports investment efforts, with PIF playing a key role in driving these initiatives. In addition to its ownership of Newcastle United, Saudi Arabia has entered partnerships with several major sporting organisations, including the men’s ATP and women’s WTA tennis tours, and the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Earlier this year, PIF was reportedly linked to a potential investment in the English cricket competition, The Hundred. Through both PIF and the SURJ investment venture, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself at the forefront of sports investments, creating partnerships that not only expand its reach globally but also further its domestic sporting ambitions.
Boosting domestic sporting prowess, especially for women
In addition to expanding its sports investments abroad, Saudi Arabia has placed a significant emphasis on improving its own sporting landscape, particularly for women’s sports. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has launched the Saudi Women’s Premier League and has made strides in advancing women’s soccer within the country.
A new three-year partnership with Unilever’s Rexona brand has been announced, making Rexona the first official partner of Saudi Arabia’s women’s national soccer team programme. This partnership will support the women’s team across all levels, from grassroots to the national squad.
Saudi Arabia’s women’s national soccer team played their first match in 2022, marking a milestone in the kingdom’s efforts to develop women’s sports. This push aligns with broader national goals to increase female participation in sports and elevate the status of women’s soccer within the region.
