Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has signed a binding agreement to sell its 70 per cent stake in Al-Hilal Saudi Club to Kingdom Holding Company, marking a major shift in the ownership structure of one of Asia’s most successful football teams.

Deal details emerge

The transaction, reported by the Saudi Press Agency, values the Riyadh-based club at about 1.4 billion Saudi riyals.

Kingdom Holding, chaired by billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, will pay 840 million riyals to acquire the controlling stake, with funding sourced internally.

The remaining 30 per cent stake is expected to be held by the Al-Hilal Non-Profit Foundation.

Shift in Saudi sports model

The deal makes Al-Hilal the first of Saudi Arabia’s “Big Four” clubs to move from state-backed ownership under PIF to private sector control.

Analysts say the move aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy aimed at reducing government ownership and expanding private investment in the sports sector.

Prince Alwaleed speaks

Prince Alwaleed, a longtime supporter and honorary member of the club, said the acquisition is focused on unlocking commercial opportunities while preserving the club’s legacy.

He noted that Al-Hilal’s identity and history remain central to the new ownership direction.

What happens next

The deal is still subject to regulatory approval from the General Authority for Competition.

However, preparations for administrative and commercial transition are expected to begin immediately ahead of the new football season.

What it means

Industry watchers say the move could set the tone for similar ownership changes involving other top Saudi clubs like Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli, which are still under PIF control.