Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing an investment in Qatari sports broadcaster BeIN Sports, according to The Telegraph. This development follows the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) takeover of Premier League club Newcastle United in October 2021.
Negotiations for the BeIN acquisition began immediately after the Newcastle deal and have continued ever since. BeIN is the second sports broadcaster linked to Saudi investment this month, following the PIF’s denial of talks with streaming service DAZN.
A potential deal between Saudi Arabia and BeIN could significantly shift relations between the two countries. BeIN was banned from broadcasting in Saudi Arabia as recently as 2017. At that time, its content was available on the BeoutQ pirate streaming service, which Qatar alleged was backed by Saudi Arabia.
Lifting the Ban
In 2021, Saudi Arabia lifted the broadcast ban on BeIN, leading to the shutdown of BeoutQ. This was seen as a major step forward, facilitating the Premier League’s approval of the PIF’s Newcastle takeover. BeIN’s strong opposition to the deal was based on piracy concerns.
However, investment talks have faced complications. In 2022, Saudi Arabia blocked BeIN’s TOD.tv streaming service during the FIFA World Cup. As a result, Saudi fans were unable to watch several matches from the tournament.
BeIN’s Strong Position
BeIN has since strengthened its grip on sports rights in the MENA region. The broadcaster has secured rights extensions for the NBA, Formula One, and all four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. It has also reportedly extended its broadcast partnership with the Premier League for the next rights cycle.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has significantly expanded its sports investment portfolio. Through the PIF and the SURJ investment venture, it has formed partnerships with various properties, including the ATP and WTA tours and the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Earlier this year, it was also linked to investing in an English cricket franchise in The Hundred competition.
Advancing Women’s Football
In addition to expanding its sports investments, Saudi Arabia is focused on improving its own sporting prowess. The Saudi football federation has announced a new three-year partnership with Unilever’s Rexona. This deal will make Rexona the official partner of the Saudi women’s national soccer team program, marking a significant step in advancing women’s football in the kingdom.
The Saudi women’s national soccer team played its first match in 2022, the same year the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) launched the Saudi Women’s Premier League.
Future Prospects
As discussions about acquiring BeIN continue, industry insiders note the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. BeIN, which owns the Premier League’s TV rights for the Middle East and Africa, had initially protested the Newcastle takeover. However, the abrupt disappearance of the piracy operation, BeoutQ, just before the takeover was approved raised questions about the negotiations.
As Saudi Arabia seeks to enhance its influence in the media sector, it is clear that the acquisition of BeIN would be a significant achievement. An initial minority investment deal now appears more likely as discussions progress with the Doha-based group, chaired by powerful PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
