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☆ Rory McIlroy resigns from PGA Tour policy board
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Sammy Mncwabe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy has resigned from his role as a player director on the PGA Tour policy board, the organization announced in a statement on Tuesday. “Citing personal and professional commitments, Rory McIlroy has notified the PGA Tour policy board that he is resigning his position as a player director,” a PGA Tour statement read. McIlroy served on the board for two years after spending the previous three years as a member of the player advisory council. “There has never been a better time to be a professional golfer,” he added. According to the “PGA TOUR Tournament Regulations, whenever the office of any player director becomes vacant due to resignation, the remaining player directors elect a successor to serve his unexpired term.”

Persons: Rory McIlroy, ”, McIlroy, LIV, LIV Golf, ” McIlroy Organizations: CNN, Northern, PGA Tour, Tour, PGA, Public Investment Fund, Saudi Locations: Saudi, Dubai

Rory McIlroy resigned from the PGA Tour board on Tuesday, an abrupt move that comes as the tour is trying to finalize an agreement to create a new commercial enterprise involving Saudi Arabia's national wealth fund. Asked if he liked having a seat the table, McIlroy said, “Not particularly, no. No player has been more outspoken than McIlroy about the PIF's financial backing of rival league LIV Golf, which attracted a number of major champions with enormous signing fees. LIV Golf recently completed its second year, and it remains unclear how the PIF's deal with the tour affects it. The remaining five player-directors on the 12-member board will elect a successor to serve McIlroy's term, which ends after next year.

Persons: Rory McIlroy, McIlroy, “, Jay Monahan, Ed Herlihy, ”, Rory —, —, Monahan, LIV, LIV Golf, Greg Norman, I’ve, ” McIlroy, Tiger Woods, ___ Organizations: PGA, Saudi, New York Times, Public Investment Fund, Tour Enterprises, PAC, Tiger Locations: Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Saudi

The PGA Tour said Tuesday it will begin to offer professional players direct equity ownership in the new company that will be formed after it reaches a deal with investors, according to an internal memo obtained by CNBC. The talks with PIF and the DP World Tour remain the tour's "top priority," PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in Tuesday's memo. The new program outlined in Tuesday's memo is the latest move to align the interests of PGA Tour players with the business itself. Monahan also wrote that the Tour's agreement with PIF and DP World Tour has generated interest from other investors. Last week, Fenway Sports Group Chairman Tom Werner acknowledged that the company has held talks with the PGA Tour, but declined to comment with any further details.

Persons: Woods, Rory McIlroy, LIV, Jay Monahan, Monahan, Tom Werner, There's Organizations: Northern, Augusta National Golf Club, CNBC, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, PIF, PGA, Fenway Sports Locations: United States, Augusta , Georgia, Saudi, U.S

☆ Saudi Arabia's stake in Lucid dropped in value more than $50 billion as the EV startup struggles, report says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-11 | by ( Lloyd Lee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Saudi Arabia's sovereign fund has a 60% stake in Lucid Motors, an EV startup. Months after the company went public, the stake was valued at more than $55B, per Bloomberg. That value dropped about 90% to $5.4 billion as Lucid reports millions in net loss. The steep drop in the value of Saudi's stake coincides with Lucid's latest quarterly earnings. In 2018, PIF invested $1.3 billion in Lucid, and it seems the Saudis have more considerable expectations for the EV company.

Persons: —, Chris Bryant, Nora Naughton, Sherry House, PIF, Lucid Organizations: Lucid Motors, Bloomberg, Service, Public Investment Fund, EV Locations: Saudi, Saudi Arabia

Net profit fell to $32.6 billion for the quarter to Sept. 30, above the $31.8 billion expected by 12 analysts in a company-provided forecast. The Saudi oil producer said lower oil prices and volumes were partially offset by a reduction in production royalties, which are linked to Brent prices. Chevron (CVX.N) and Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) last month reported sharp year-on-year falls in third-quarter profit as energy prices cooled. Saudi Aramco logo and stock graph are seen through a magnifier displayed in this illustration taken September 4, 2022. Back in 2021, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, said that Saudi Aramco would sell more shares, with the proceeds going to bolster the PIF, the Vision 2030's main funding source.

Persons: Brent, Aramco's, Dado Ruvic, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Hadeel Al Sayegh, Yousef Saba, Miral Fahmy, Jason Neely, Tomasz Janowski Organizations: DUBAI, Saudi Aramco, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Reuters Graphics, OPEC, Aramco, REUTERS, Investment Fund, Energy, RBC, Riyadh bourse, Wall Street, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Reuters Graphics Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia, Aramco, Riyadh

☆ Fenway chairman confirms talks with PGA Tour as doubts grow about LIV Golf deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( Drew Richardson | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Fenway Sports Group Chairman Tom Werner on Monday acknowledged that the company has held talks with the PGA Tour as the golf organization's framework agreement with Saudi-backed LIV Golf faces new doubts. Werner, who spoke alongside PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy, said that the players "will decide the direction the tour goes." McIlroy had been outspoken in his disdain for LIV Golf, saying in July that if LIV Golf was "the last place to play golf on earth, I would retire." LIV lured PGA Tour players, like Phil Mickelson, to with deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars. McIlroy sounded a friendlier note Monday, when asked about the potential for a renewed rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

Persons: Tom Werner, LIV Golf, we've, Werner, CNBC's Scott Wapner, Rory McIlroy, LIV, Alan Shipnuck, McIlroy, Critics, Prince Muhammad bin Salman, Tiger Woods, LIV Golf's, Phil Mickelson, McIlroy's Organizations: Fenway Sports, PGA Tour, PGA, Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC, Veteran, Endeavour Group Holdings, WWE, UFC, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Saudi, Tiger, Tour, ESPN, TGL, Fenway, Boston, CNBC Locations: Saudi, U.S

Global fundraising for alternative investments, which include private equity, dropped 21% to $972 billion in the year to Nov. 1 from the same period a year earlier, according to research firm Preqin. As their money becomes more vital, Gulf funds are encouraging private equity firms to invest locally in plans for a post-oil future. "Building a partnership based on reciprocity is nowadays necessary to succeed in the Gulf," said Francois Aissa-Touazi, co-global head of investor relations at private equity fund Ardian. Private equity funds are getting the message. In turn private equity funds can use these pools of capital to fund large private debt or equity transactions, according to Tikehau Capital's Deputy CEO, Frédéric Giovansili.

Persons: Amr Alfiky, Francois Aissa, Ardian, Touazi, Brookfield, Bruce Flatt, thronged, Flatt, Mohammed Al Jadaan, Anthony Diamandakis, Rishi Kapoor, Investcorp, Tikehau, Frédéric Organizations: United, United Arab Emirates, REUTERS, Rights, Global, Investment Initiative, Public Investment Fund, Brookfield, Tikehau, CVC, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Abu Dhabi, United Arab, Rights RIYADH, LONDON, Davos, Saudi, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Dubai, Brookfield, Bahrain

☆ World Cup in Saudi Arabia would be structurally really good, says Howe
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 31 (Reuters) - Newcastle United's Eddie Howe would expect a World Cup in Saudi Arabia to be well organised having previously travelled there with his team, the manager said on Tuesday. With Australia deciding not to enter a bid to host the 2034 World Cup, FIFA are expected to announce Saudi Arabia as the only bid received before the Oct. 31 deadline. "Our trips out there to Riyadh and Jeddah were two different experiences really," Howe told a press conference before Newcastle's League Cup tie against Manchester United. If that's a sign of what a World Cup might look like, structurally it will be really good." Newcastle also hosted two Saudi Arabia international games at St. James' Park in September with Costa Rica and South Korea.

Persons: Newcastle United's Eddie Howe, Howe, James ' Park, Trevor Stynes, Ed Osmond Organizations: Newcastle, Australia, FIFA, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Newcastle's League, Manchester United, Saudi Arabia, St, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, Newcastle, Riyadh, Jeddah, Costa Rica, South Korea

Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed al-Jadaan gestures during an interview with Reuters at the Ministry of Finance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 12, 2021. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsRIYADH, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia will implement its January 2024 deadline requiring international firms that wish to secure government contracts in the kingdom to locate their regional headquarters to Riyadh, the finance minister said on Wednesday. "The deadline is not new, and yes it will be implemented," Mohammed Al Jadaan told Reuters when asked whether the January deadline remained on track. Foreign firms have for years used neighbouring United Arab Emirates as a springboard for their regional operations, including for Saudi Arabia. While the government has given cash injections to the PIF in the past, Jadaan said cash transfers were "very limited" and were disbursed from surplus.

Persons: Mohammed, Ahmed Yosri, Jan, Mohammed Al Jadaan, Jadaan, Pesha Magid, Angus MacSwan, Josie Kao Organizations: Reuters, Ministry of Finance, REUTERS, Rights, United, Future Investment Initiative, Public Investment Fund, Saudi, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Rights RIYADH, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa

☆ Tiger Woods: How the battle for golf’s soul gave the US golfer new-found purpose – and human connection
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Don Riddell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +22 min

CBS Archive/Getty Images Woods, 6, sizes up a putt in Los Alamitos, California, in 1982. Getty Images/Getty Images Woods hits a tee shot during the 1995 Walker Cup, an international team event. Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images Woods plays a shot from the ninth fairway during the 2000 US Open in Pebble Beach, California. David Cannon/Getty Images Woods falls to the ground in pain after hitting a shot at The Barclays in August 2013. Jamie Squire/Getty Images Woods and his son, Charlie, warm up before the final round of the PNC Championship in December 2020.

Persons: Woods, Alan Shipnuck, LIV, ” Shipnuck, ” Bryson DeChambeau, Paul Casey, Crushers, Charles Howell III, Anirban Lahiri, Chris Trotman, “ Tiger’s, “ He’s, he’s, “, “ LIV, Greg Norman, Quentin Tarantino, Brooks Koepka, Koepka, David J, Phillip, Mike Douglas, Bob Hope, Jack D, Miller, AP Woods, Rick Dole, Bob Galbraith, David Cannon, Robert Beck, Patrick Murphy, Nike — Woods, Lennox McLendon, Stephen Munday, Earl, Dave Martin, Alexander Hassenstein, Jonathan Ferrey, He's, Andy Lyons, Allsport, Bob May, Fred Vuich, Jack Nicklaus, Nicklaus, Logan Mock, Bunting, Phil Mickelson, Mickelson, Matthew Stockman, Steve Williams, Harry, Williams, Sam, Damian Dovarganes, Rocco, Gary A, Vasquez, Barack Obama, Pete Souza, Stuart Franklin, Elin, Charlie, Ezra Shaw, Eric Gay, Jimmy Fallon, Lloyd Bishop, Arnold Palmer, Chris Condon, Jason Dufner, Lindsey Vonn, Marco Trovati, Lannis, John Amis, Donald Trump, Getty Images Woods, Warren Little, Jamie Squire, Ben Jared, Wally Skalij, Shutterstock Woods, Tiger, Sam Greenwood, Cliff Hawkins, Jonathan Ernst, they’re, Shipnuck, ‘ I’m, Justin Thomas, I’m, ”, they’ve, what’s, Rory McIlroy, Rory, “ Rory, Bryson DeChambeau, ’, he’d, DeChambeau, “ Patrick Reed, Sergio García, “ Phil Mickelson, HyFlyers, Suhaimi Abdullah, Jay Monahan, Yasir Al, Rumayyan, Phil Mickelson’s, Jamal Khashoggi, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prince, Mohammad Bin Salman, Reed, Garcia Organizations: CNN, CNN Sport, PGA Tour, LIV, Miami, PGA, Saudi, Public Investment Fund, CBS, AP, Tiger, US Junior Amateur, Getty, Los Angeles, Tour, Stanford University, NCAA, Nike —, Las Vegas, Green, Army, Tiger Woods Foundation, Ford, British, Woods Learning, USA, Office, Stanford, NBCU, Bank, Bay, Invitational, Barclays, Trump, Getty Images, PNC, Law, Los Angeles Times, PNC Championship, Hall of Fame, Reuters, HyFlyers GC, Sentosa Golf, European, MBS, Fox News, ” CNN Locations: Los Angeles, Saudi, Delaware, Tiger’s, Los Alamitos , California, Vietnamese, Vietnam, Orange, United States, France, Hamburg, Germany, Pebble Beach , California, St . Andrews, Scotland, Louisville , Kentucky, Fort Bragg , North Carolina, Hoylake, England, Anaheim , California, Woods, Dublin , Ohio, Beaver Creek , Colorado, Atlanta, Rancho Palos Verdes , California, Pacific Palisades , California, Singapore, London, McIroy

☆ Davos in the Desert: Jamie Dimon and other bankers visit Saudi Arabia as Israel-Hamas war rages
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Dubbed “Davos in the Desert,” the annual Future Investment Initiative (FII) will welcome about 6,000 participants from more than 90 countries over the next three days. Since the Hamas assault on October 7, Israel has widened its offensive against the Palestinian militant group and other regional enemies. Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammad bin Salman, denied any personal involvement in Khashoggi’s murder but later confirmed it was carried out by Saudi officials. Bin Salman chairs the Public Investment Fund. “Very few people” had canceled plans to attend the conference, according to Richard Attias, the CEO of the FII Institute, the event’s organizer.

Persons: Jamie Dimon, Citigroup’s Jane Fraser, Defense Lloyd Austin, Larry Fink, Goldman Sachs, David Solomon, Noel Quinn, Ray Dalio, Stephen Schwarzman, Harvey Schwartz, Blackstone, Carlyle, “ We’re, it’s, ”, Fraser, Fink, “, Karen E, WeWork, Slack, Jamal Khashoggi, Saudi Arabia’s, Mohammad bin Salman, Bin Salman, bin Salman, Masayoshi, Richard Attias, Young, — Winston Lo, Michelle Toh Organizations: London CNN, “, Future Investment Initiative, Defense, Palestinian, Israel Defense Forces, West Bank, HSBC, Citigroup, Saudi, Public Investment Fund, Columbia University’s Center, Global Energy, CNN, Reliance Retail, Softbank’s Vision, Future Investment, FII Institute, Young of Columbia University Locations: Saudi Arabia, Israel, “ Davos, Gaza, Lebanon, Riyadh, Ukraine, Europe, United States, Washington, Russia, Saudi, Istanbul, Kingdom, Hong Kong

☆ Saudi Arabia launches Esports World Cup - statement
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman speaks with FOX News Channel, in an interview aired September 21, 2023, Neom, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsRIYADH, Oct 23 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia said on Monday it was launching an annual Esports World Cup, which will include the most popular games in the world and have the largest prize pool in esports history. The competition will be held annually in Riyadh starting summer 2024, a statement from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said. Clubs will compete across games from various genres to become the ultimate Esports World Cup champion, the statement said. Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group, owned by sovereign wealth fund PIF, said last year it will invest 142 billion riyals ($37.8 billion) in initiatives aimed at making Saudi Arabia a global hub for gaming. "The Esports World Cup is the natural next step in Saudi Arabia's journey to become the premier global hub for gaming and esports, offering an unmatched esports experience that pushes the boundaries of the industry," the crown prince was quoted in the statement as saying.

Persons: Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Aziz El Yaakoubi, Ros Russell Organizations: Saudi, Crown, FOX News, Saudi Press Agency, Handout, REUTERS, Rights, Saudi Crown, Clubs, Sports, Thomson Locations: Neom, Saudi Arabia, Rights RIYADH, Riyadh, Saudi

☆ Hyundai to build Saudi car plant jointly with Saudi wealth fund
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The logo of Hyundai Motor Company is pictured at the New York International Auto Show, in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., April 13, 2022. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsRIYADH, Oct 22 (Reuters) - South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group (005380.KS) will build a car plant in Saudi Arabia jointly with the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Sunday. Hyundai Motor Group, the world's No. Yoon visited Saudi Arabia where he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler. Yoon traveled with a delegation of business leaders including Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair E.S.

Persons: Andrew Kelly, Yoon Suk Yeol, Yoon, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Chung, Prince Mohammed, Pesha Magid, Heekyong Yang, Aziz El Yaakoubi, John Stonestreet, David Holmes Organizations: Hyundai Motor, New York, REUTERS, Rights, Hyundai Motor Group, Public Investment Fund, South, Hyundai, South Korean, Saudi Crown, Thomson Locations: Manhattan , New York City, U.S, Rights RIYADH, KS, Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Riyadh, Gulf

☆ Chinese attendance at Saudi conference doubles as Riyadh courts Beijing
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Pesha Magid | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A Saudi man's reflection is seen in mirror glass at the Future Investment Initiative conference, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 25, 2022. REUTERS/ Ahmed Yosri/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsRIYADH, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Around 300 Chinese "decision makers" are attending Saudi Arabia's flagship investment conference this year, organisers said on Thursday, double last year's attendance as Riyadh deepens its relationship with China despite U.S. concerns. In defiance of its key Western ally, Prince Mohammed invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit the kingdom and launched a Chinese-Arab summit. In August, the BRICs group of nations, which includes China, invited Saudi Arabia to become a new member of the bloc. Saudi Arabia is halfway through an ambitious economic transformation plan - Vision 2030 - to wean the economy off oil by creating new industries, generating jobs for citizens, and luring in foreign capital and talent.

Persons: Ahmed Yosri, Richard Attias, Attias, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Joe Biden, Prince Mohammed, Xi Jinping, ” Attias, Morgan, Jamie Dimon, Citi's Jane Fraser, Yoon Suk Yeol, William Ruto, Paul Kagame, Pesha Magid, Aziz El Yaakoubi, Christina Fincher Organizations: Future Investment Initiative, REUTERS, Rights, Saudi, FII Institute, Wall Street, Washington, Wall, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Kenyan, Rwandan, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Rights RIYADH, China, Gaza, Asia

☆ Saudi is wild card in Middle East’s new turmoil
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( George Hay | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends the 18th consultative meeting of the leaders of the GCC & the Gulf summit with the central Asian countries C5, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 19, 2023. Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Oct 18 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Mohammed bin Salman is the wild card in the Middle East’s new conflict. Saudi Arabia also needs prices above $85 a barrel in order to balance its budget. Saudi Arabia also needs to consider the views of international investors, though. For now, Saudi Arabia can count on the support of global bankers and fund managers.

Persons: Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Mohammed bin Salman, Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s, Biden, Netanyahu, International Energy Agency reckons, Jamal Khashoggi, nix, Larry Fink, JPMorgan’s, Jamie Dimon, Israel, Antony Blinken, Jordan, ” Blinken, ”, “, Hossein Amirabdollahian, Al Jazeera, Peter Thal Larsen, Oliver Taslic Organizations: GCC, Saudi Press Agency, Handout, REUTERS Acquire, Reuters, Hamas, Israel . U.S, MbS, United, Gaza, International Energy Agency, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Saudi, kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, U.S, PGA, Foreign Investment, Telefonica, STC, BlackRock’s, Future Investment, United States, Diplomats, don’t, Palestinian, Israeli, United Arab, Iran’s, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iran, Palestinian, Israel ., United States, Gaza, OPEC, Russia, Saudi Aramco, Riyadh, Palestine, United, Amman, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Lebanon, America

☆ Will the Saudi prince get his 1.5% GDP growth from sports?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The PIF, with estimated assets of around $700 billion, has also flexed its financial muscle in golf, tennis, boxing and motorsport, to name a few, along with a slew of music and entertainment ventures. These investments are all part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 program, an ambitious plan to diversify the country's economy away from its traditional reliance on oil and gas exports. Saudi Arabia's growing presence in sport and entertainment around the world has given rise to allegations of "sportswashing" — with critics claiming the regime is using sport to launder its international reputation against the backdrop of a dismal human rights record. In a recent interview, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country's de facto leader and architect of Vision 2030, said he was happy to sportswash if it boosted the kingdom's GDP. But what role does this sporting spending spree play in the kingdom's efforts to secure its economic future, and will it work?

Persons: Prince Mohammed bin Salman Organizations: Saudi, Public Investment Fund, English Premier League, Newcastle United Locations: Europe's, Saudi

GENEVA (AP) — Saudi Arabia formally informed FIFA of its wish to host the men’s World Cup in 2034 on Monday in a bidding contest that increasingly looks designed for the kingdom to win. That allows the 2034 edition to return to Asia 12 years after Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup. Infantino has built close ties to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on frequent visits to the oil-rich kingdom since before the 2018 World Cup. The Saudi soccer project has seen the sovereign wealth Public Investment Fund buy English club Newcastle in 2021. The FIFA Council which agreed to the 2034 World Cup bidding process included nine delegates from European soccer body UEFA, which now has the 2030 tournament.

Persons: “, ”, Gianni Infantino, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, PIF, Karim Benzema, ___ Organizations: GENEVA, FIFA, Oceania, Qatar, New Zealand, Saudi, Public Investment Fund, Newcastle, FIFA Council, UEFA Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabian, Europe, Africa, South America, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, United States, Mexico, Canada, Asia, Australia, Saudi, Qatar, Egypt

☆ Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's TGL golf league will air on ESPN
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Disney' s ESPN has nabbed the broadcast rights to air matches from TGL, the startup golf league led by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. TGL, which is in partnership with the PGA Tour, will have its debut Jan. 9 as part of a multiyear deal. Both TGL matches will air on traditional TV's ESPN and streamer ESPN+. The agreement between the PGA Tour and LIV has yet to be finalized. TGL, a new primetime, high-tech golf league created by Woods, McIlroy and former NBC Sports executive Mike McCarley, has attracted stars from the PGA Tour.

Persons: Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, TGL, LIV Golf, LIV, Woods, McIlroy, Mike McCarley, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose, Adam Scott, Xander Schauffele, Max Homa, Rickie Fowler, Billy Horschel, Steve Cohen Organizations: Augusta National Golf Club, Disney, ESPN, PGA, ABC, College Football, NFL, Tour, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Endeavor Group Holdings, Fenway Sports Group, CNBC, NBC Sports, Major League Baseball's New York Mets, New York, Private Ventures Locations: Augusta , Georgia, TGL, Palm Beach Gardens , Florida

☆ Saudi Arabia is pouring billions into soccer, golf, and Formula 1. Its crown prince doesn't care if anyone calls it 'sportswashing.'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( George Glover | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Saudi Arabia is pouring billions into sports in a bid to transform its economy. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has made the sector a key part of his Vision 2030 plan. But the reality is that the crown prince has a grander ambition: to level up Saudi Arabia's economic growth. "But Saudi Arabia is piling into other sports too, because they want to achieve a lot in a short period of time." AdvertisementAdvertisementAs Crown Prince Mohammed made clear last week, all this forms part of a broader strategy to supercharge Saudi Arabia's economy through investment.

Persons: Prince Mohammed bin Salman, bankrolled, —, Cristiano Ronaldo, Phil Mickelson, Anthony Joshua, –, Jamal Khashoggi, they've, Steve Luciano, AP Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Ballon, Karim Benzema, Neymar, Sadio, PIF, LIV Golf, Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, LIV, Joshua, that's, Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Frank Warren, Prince Mohammed, Mohammed bin Salman, Leon Neal, Simon Chadwick, Chadwick, megastars, Ronaldo –, Salman, bin Salman, Saudi Arabia –, St Andrews, Nick Kyrgios, who've, Elsa, he'd, they'll Organizations: Newcastle United, Service, Washington Post, Saudi, Investment Fund, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Saudi Public Investment Fund, Newcastle, AP, Saudi Pro League, Georgetown University Qatar, PGA, WWE, Fox News, SKEMA Business School, Indian Premier League, FIFA Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi, England, Riyadh, Brazil, Liverpool, Kingdom, Jeddah, Lille, France, Reiche, Iran, Miami, Augusta, bankroll

Trading information and logo for Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. is displayed on a screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., May 10, 2023. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 28 (Reuters) - Endeavor Group (EDR.N) and Boston Red Sox owner Fenway Sports Group have expressed interest in investing in the PGA Tour, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. After a very public war of words, PGA, DP World Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit in June announced a shocking agreement to merge and form one unified commercial entity. PGA's talks with Endeavor and Fenway are still at an early stage, the source said, requesting anonymity because the matter is confidential. Both Fenway and Endeavor are already major players in the sporting industry.

Persons: Brendan McDermid, LIV, PGA's, Niket, Shilpi Majumdar, Shweta Agarwal Organizations: Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc, New York Stock Exchange, REUTERS, Endeavor, Boston Red Sox, Fenway Sports, PGA, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, U.S, Senators, Fenway, Bloomberg News, Public Investment Fund, Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox, Premier League club Liverpool, World Wrestling Entertainment, Thomson Locations: New York City, U.S, Saudi, Bengaluru

☆ Endeavor, Fenway Sports consider investment in the PGA Tour
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The PGA Tour logo is seen during the third round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, on June 24, 2017. The discussions, which are in preliminary stages, stem from a PGA Tour investment vehicle created as part of the framework agreement for its proposed deal with PIF. "Throughout 2023, the PGA Tour has demonstrated its strength, reach and value as an enterprise. In June, the PGA Tour announced a proposed deal that would see it combine with rival LIV Golf following months of lawsuits and competition between the two. The deal between LIV and the PGA Tour has faced criticism and controversy.

Persons: LIV, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, PIF Organizations: Investment, Endeavor Group Holdings, Fenway Sports Group, PGA Tour, PGA, Public Investment Fund, Endeavor, Fenway, Bloomberg, LIV Golf, Saudi Crown, LIV, UFC, Wrestling Entertainment, Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox, Liverpool Football Club, National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins Locations: Cromwell , Connecticut, Saudi

☆ California-based EV maker Lucid opens first-ever auto plant in Saudi Arabia
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( Tom Foster | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Californian EV-maker Lucid has opened the first ever car manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom looks to establish itself as a global player in the EV race. The factory — the company’s first international plant — will initially focus on re-assembling vehicle kits sent over from the United States. “We look forward to delivering Saudi-assembled cars to customers in Saudi Arabia and beyond.” Saudi Arabia’s powerful Public Investment Fund (PIF), controlled by the Saudi government, is Lucid’s largest shareholder. Saudi Arabia wants 30% of new car sales in the kingdom to be electric by 2030. Earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal reported that Saudi Arabia had also held talks with Tesla over an EV factory in the kingdom.

Persons: Lucid, ”, Peter Rawlinson, Tesla, Elon Musk Organizations: CNN, King Abdullah Economic, Saudi, Public Investment Fund, Siemens, Street Journal, EV Locations: Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah, Jeddah, United States, Saudi

☆ PGA Tour says LIV merger attracts unsolicited investor interest
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A view shows the logo of PGA Tour during the Canadian Open’s Championship Pro-Am after news was released of a new partnership between the PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ontario, Canada June 7, 2023. REUTERS/Nick Lachance/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 27 (Reuters) - PGA Tour said its planned merger with Saudi-backed LIV Golf and DP World Tour has garnered unsolicited interest from investors as it continues to finalise an agreement with the Public Investment Fund and the DP World Tour. The PGA said that while it did not solicit additional investment interest, it has a responsibility to members, sponsors and fans to thoroughly evaluate all potential options. Any investments that come from the talks will be made into PGA Tour Enterprises, a subsidiary of the PGA Tour, which it would permanently control. PGA said additional investor interest is not about politics, but because the PGA Tour has, for the first time, created an investment vehicle in PGA TOUR Enterprises and its business is strong.

Persons: LIV, Nick Lachance, LIV Golf, Juby Babu, Chris Reese Organizations: Tour, Canadian, PGA Tour, Oakdale, Country Club, REUTERS, Saudi, Public Investment Fund, PGA, PGA Tour Enterprises, Bloomberg, Enterprises, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Toronto , Ontario, Canada, U.S, Washington, Bengaluru

☆ Saudi crown prince says he does not care about 'sportswashing' claims
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (not pictured) meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, June 7, 2023. "If sportswashing (is) going to increase my GDP by 1%, then we'll continue doing sportswashing," the crown prince told Fox News. Saudi Arabia denies accusations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws. When asked specifically about the term "sportswashing", the crown prince said: "I don't care. Saudi Arabia has been hosting a Formula One Grand Prix since 2021 and has also held boxing world title fights.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, we'll, PIF, LIV, Hritika Sharma, Michael Perry Organizations: Saudi Crown, Saudi Royal Court, REUTERS, Saudi Arabian Crown, Fox News, Public Wealth Fund, Premier League, Newcastle United, PGA, Saudi Pro League, Thomson Locations: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Bandar, Saudi, Hyderabad

LONDON, Sept 21 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Barely a day goes by without an eye-catching story involving Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. A third of the fund consists of significant stakes in domestic companies like the $51 billion Saudi Telecom Company (7010.SE) and $53 billion Saudi National Bank (1180.SE). Reuters Graphics Reuters GraphicsThe PIF’s investment strategy is also racier than its more conservative peers. But the episode reinforces the impression that the PIF is a mix of venture capital, hedge fund and startup money. The most spectacular was probably handing $45 billion to SoftBank Group (9984.T) boss Masayoshi Son for his $100 billion first Vision Fund.

Persons: Kylian Mbappé, It’s, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Yasir Al, Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala, Rumayyan, Salman bin Abdulaziz, Masayoshi Son, SWFs, Taiwan’s Foxconn, Peter Thal Larsen, Streisand Neto Organizations: Reuters, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Standard Chartered, Spanish telco Telefonica, Fund, Abu, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Global, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Saudi, Saudi Telecom Company, Saudi National Bank, Saudi Aramco, giga, Qatar Investment Authority, Singapore’s Temasek, Al, MbS, SoftBank Group, Vision, Credit Suisse, UBS, Saudi giga, Aramco, Investment, Thomson Locations: Spanish, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Saudi

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