Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s Kingdom Holding Company has signed a binding agreement to acquire a 70 percent stake in Al Hilal Football Club from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, in a landmark deal that marks a new chapter for one of the most storied clubs in Saudi football history.
The transaction, announced on Thursday, values the club’s total share capital at 1.4 billion Saudi riyals, equivalent to approximately 373 million US dollars. The 70 percent stake acquired by Kingdom Holding is priced at around 980 million riyals, with the PIF retaining a 30 percent minority shareholding upon completion of the deal.
A Milestone in Saudi Sports Privatisation
The signing ceremony took place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, where Prince Alwaleed addressed the significance of the acquisition in the context of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 ambitions. “Al Hilal Club represents a national symbol and a source of pride,” he said. “Our acquisition reflects our deep belief in the role of sport as a developmental force for both the economy and society.”
The deal is the latest development in the PIF’s ongoing strategy of recycling capital from major sports assets back into the wider Saudi economy. The Fund originally became the principal shareholder in Al Hilal in July 2023, as part of a government-led initiative to professionalise the Saudi Pro League and elevate its global standing.
Prince Alwaleed, chairman of Kingdom Holding and one of the most prominent investors in the Arab world, described Al Hilal as a platform for applying global investment standards. He added that the acquisition would enable the club to build strategic commercial partnerships while preserving its identity and heritage.
Al Hilal: Saudi Football’s Jewel
Al Hilal is the most decorated club in Saudi football, having claimed the league title nineteen times. The club currently sits second in the Saudi Pro League standings with 68 points from 28 games, eight points behind Al Nassr but holding a match in hand. The Blue Wave, as they are known to their fans, boasts one of the largest supporter bases in the region and a history that stretches back over six decades.
The transfer of ownership comes shortly after the club’s exit from the AFC Champions League Elite at the round of 16, where they were eliminated by Al-Sadd on penalties. The squad now shifts focus to the domestic front, with the Saudi Pro League title race still alive and the King’s Cup final approaching on May 30.
Investment at the Intersection of Sport and Economy
The deal is subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions and the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals. Once completed, it will place Al Hilal under the stewardship of Kingdom Holding, a publicly listed conglomerate with diversified investments spanning hospitality, technology, real estate, and media across more than 25 countries.
The transaction reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing appetite for private-sector participation in sports governance. With the league continuing to attract international talent and the national team preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil, the investment signals confidence in the commercial potential of Saudi football at both the local and global level.
