As global tensions rise, sports investors and leagues are reexamining their ties with Gulf states. Samantha Johnson explores how conflict and shifting diplomatic relations could reshape the lucrative partnership between professional sports and Gulf money.
"The business of sport is no longer just about the game — it's a playing field for soft power and economic strategy."
From football to Formula 1, Gulf sovereign wealth funds have poured billions into global sports. But with war in the Middle East and changing US policies, stakeholders are questioning the sustainability of these deals.
Experts warn that while sport offers a depoliticized arena, it cannot escape the realities of geopolitics. The coming years may see a recalibration of how teams, leagues, and nations engage with Gulf capital.