Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund Acquires Stake in Professional Fighters League (PFL)

SRJ Sports Investments, a company formed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, has acquired a minority stake in the United States’ Professional Fighters League (PFL).

This marks the first deal for SRJ and is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push into sports investments, including mixed martial arts (MMA). PFL will launch its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) league next year and plans to host “mega-events” in Saudi Arabia.

The deal’s value, though undisclosed, is reported to be around $100 million. This investment aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote sports and entertainment as part of its Vision 2030 reform agenda, although it has faced accusations of “sportswashing” to distract from human rights concerns.

MMA’s popularity has been on the rise in Saudi Arabia, and this investment aims to nurture local talent and promote gender equality in the sport.