Saudi Esports & Sports Economy Surges Toward $22.4B by 2030
Saudi Arabia’s sports sector is picking up speed and it’s not slowing down. What started as a regional push is now turning into a global sprint, with the market racing from $8 billion to a projected $22.4 billion by 2030. Beyond the numbers, the Saudi Esports & Sports Economy is becoming a stage where ambition meets innovation, and where stadiums, screens, and social change all play on the same team.
$16.5B GDP Contribution and 100,000 Jobs by 2030
The economic footprint of sports in Saudi Arabia is expanding rapidly. From a $2.4 billion GDP contribution in 2016, the sector surged to $6.9 billion by 2019. By 2030, it’s expected to reach $16.5 billion, accounting for 1.5% of the national GDP. This growth in the sector also directly impacts livelihoods. Over 100,000 new jobs are projected across sports management, media, infrastructure, and esports development, reinforcing the Saudi Esports & Sports Economy as a job creation engine.
$7B Invested in Events and Infrastructure Since 2020
Saudi Arabia has invested nearly $7 billion in sports between 2020 and Q1 2025, hosting over 30 international events including Formula 1 and elite golf tournaments. These spectacles attract global audiences, boost tourism, and energize local businesses. Infrastructure is keeping pace, with $2.7 billion earmarked for new and renovated facilities by 2028, including 15 smart stadiums and 11 venues for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Riyadh’s 135-km Sports Boulevard is a flagship example of long-term planning.
Women’s Sports Broadcast Globally and Participation Up 400%
The rise of women’s sports is one of the most compelling stories in the Saudi Esports & Sports Economy. In 2015, only 13% of Saudis engaged in physical activity. By 2023, that number soared to 50%. Female participation has grown by 400%, with women now comprising 45% of sports club members. The launch of SSC AWSN, a 24-hour channel dedicated to female athletes, marks a global broadcast milestone. Saudi women’s football, once restricted, now reaches international audiences weekly.
$37.8B Esports Strategy Targets 250 Firms and $13.3B GDP
Gaming and esports are central to Saudi Arabia’s future-facing strategy. Through Savvy Games Group (SGG), the Kingdom is investing $37.8 billion to build a globally competitive esports hub. The plan includes acquiring a top-tier publisher, funding early-stage disruptors, and supporting 250 gaming companies by 2030. With a projected SAR 50 billion ($13.3 billion) GDP contribution, the esports sector is a vital pillar of the Saudi Esports & Sports Economy, blending entertainment, tech, and youth engagement.
Roshn League Broadcasts in 180 Countries, Boosting Global Reach
Saudi football has gone global. The Roshn Saudi League now airs in 180 countries via ESPN, Fox Sports, DAZN, and YouTube. This multi-platform strategy ensures accessibility for both premium subscribers and casual fans, while leveraging the star power of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar Jr. Their presence has driven billions of social media impressions, turning Saudi football into a global spectacle and reinforcing the Saudi Esports & Sports Economy’s cultural and commercial impact.
Vision 2030: Sports as a Soft Power and Investment Magnet
At the center of it all is Vision 2030. The national strategy to diversify the economy and elevate Saudi Arabia’s global image has successfully transformed sports into more than just fun. Sports are now also tools of diplomacy, engines of investment, and symbols of reform. Whether through esports innovation, women’s sports visibility, or international broadcasting, the Saudi Esports & Sports Economy is reshaping perceptions and building a legacy that extends far beyond the pitch or console.
Also Read: Building the Sports Economy in Saudi Arabia: Investment and Growth Trends
