Saudi Arabia is going all-in on sports. With a $453 million government investment for the 2024–2025 season, the Kingdom is reshaping its sports industry—and behind the scenes, the Saudi sports consulting market is booming.

Saudi Sport Consulting Growth Update

The numbers tell a powerful story. In 2016, the sports sector was worth just $1.3 billion. By 2025, it’s grown to $8.5 billion. The goal? Over $21 billion by 2030. That’s more than a sixfold increase in just 14 years.

To support this surge, Saudi Arabia has launched bold initiatives. The $453 million allocation is part of its Clubs Support Strategy. Over $275 million of that goes directly to clubs in the Pro League and lower divisions. Each public club in the Pro League gets $47 million in annual grants, and each private club receives $45 million.

This investment isn’t just about money—it’s about transformation. The government is pushing for better club governance, deeper fan engagement, and digital upgrades. The result? A greater need for expert guidance. That’s where Saudi sports consulting firms come in.

These firms help clubs navigate the shift from public to private ownership. They offer strategic advice on marketing, digital tools, fan outreach, and operations. And with up to $133 million in British investments flowing into consulting, events, and marketing, the opportunity is global.

Since 2016, over 70 new sports federations have launched in Saudi Arabia. This shows how fast the sector is professionalizing. Every new federation, every new league or event, brings more demand for consulting services.

Events are another major driver. Since 2019, Saudi Arabia has hosted over 100 international sports events across 40 sports. That includes major tournaments like the Formula 1 Grand Prix and FIFA Club World Cup. The 2023 Formula One race in Jeddah alone created 20,000 jobs and drew fans from 160 countries.

Sports tourism is now big business. Since 2016, 2.5 million sports tourists have visited the Kingdom. This growth boosts everything—from jobs to brand exposure—and consultants play a key role in helping Saudi organizations manage this scale.

The Saudi Pro League is now broadcast in over 160 countries, and league revenue rose 33% last year. The Saudi Super Cup’s value jumped 71.4%, from $9.33 million to $16 million. These figures show rising international interest—and raise the stakes for Saudi clubs to operate like global brands.

Consulting firms provide the expertise needed to compete on this new level. They advise on branding, sponsorship, fan analytics, and media rights. Without them, the transformation could stall.

Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is the North Star. It aims to increase physical activity, support professional sports, and turn the Kingdom into a global sports destination. The growing sports equipment and apparel market—set to hit nearly $1 billion by 2030—is proof that this vision is working.

In short, Saudi Arabia’s $453 million investment isn’t just growing the sports sector. It’s unlocking a new industry around it. And Saudi sports consulting firms are at the center of that evolution—quietly, strategically, and powerfully shaping the future of sports in the Kingdom.

Read also: Saudi Sports Market Set for $22.4B Expansion by 2030