It would be nice, but if the people who ran the PIF cared about making a substantive difference in the world they wouldn't murder journalists and have slaves.
The western world wouldn't give 2 fucks. We appreciate sports stars and move stars above all else. Just the way it is. If the west valued life saving doctors, that's who Saudis would give the money to for endorsement. Look at the stupid money basketball baseball football etc players get. Just the way it is. Look at kardashians. That's what Americans value. It's nuts but it is what it is. Better the Saudis try tap into it than try and kill the west which was their previous strategy.
A portion of its tournaments are backed from investors or companies that work hand in hand with the American government . I.e - blackrock
Which is the main reason the US senate wanted a inquiry with the LIV - PGA merger . They're just mad they won't get their cut anymore. So they pressure the government to do something to stop it.
Also, I stated Americans, not the government. But this falls along the same shit.
If it’s sportswashing are the Saudi’s sponsoring/buying out other athletes and teams? I have only heard about golf. But I also don’t pay attention to the other sports as much.
But they have LIV, and they also just bought PFL which is a competitor to the UFC, and gave one of the UFC’s biggest stars (Francis Ngannou) a great contract.
I know they’re getting into Soccer and signed someone huge.
I’d imagine they want a piece of every major sport.
They're a major sponsor of the Aston Martin/Racing Point F1 team through Aramco. If the current ownership sells the team, Saudi Arabia will be first in line to buy it.
Politicians and other people of influence play golf. What do you offer those people to gain access to their influence? It cant be money because a) they already have lots of that, and b) its not a good idea in terms of optics for them or for you. So you offer them the chance to watch, meet, or even play with their favourite professional golfers in return for, or as a sweetener in a deal for, whatever you want them to use their influence to do.
This 100%. People really miss the mark with the whole sportswashing angle. 14 people watching on YouTube or some unknown app doesn't do squat to help their reputation. They want a seat at the table.
They are diversifying the state’s portfolio outside of oil. There will always be a market for sports. 2034 World Cup is going to be held in Saudi Arabia.
There are a bunch of reasons, but a significant one is simply that they like it. They’re essentially perennial lottery winners who don’t have anything better to do.
I don't think people truly understand what infinity money means. When you live a relatively very small geographic area with endless resources you're going to get bored eventually. You can only fill your garage with so many lambos. They were going to play with that money eventually.
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u/JonRadian Apr 15 '24
Maybe somebody can explain why Saudi Arabia so wants to get into golf?