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Al‑Kholood Club Becomes First Foreign-Owned Team in Saudi Pro League

Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 sports strategy has reached a new milestone with the complete acquisition of Al‑Kholood Club by U.S.-based investment firm Harburg Group. The deal marks the first time a foreign company has taken full ownership of a team in the Saudi Pro League, signalling a new chapter in the kingdom’s evolving football landscape.

A New Era of Privatization

The acquisition is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider push to privatize its football clubs under the Ministry of Sport’s privatization program, a key pillar of the Vision 2030 initiative. This strategic program is designed to diversify the Saudi economy by attracting international investment and elevating the professionalism of its domestic football ecosystem.

Previously managed under public or semi-public ownership, Pro League clubs are now being opened to private capital. Al‑Kholood, which finished 9th in the 2023–24 season, becomes the first club to cross this threshold under full foreign ownership.

The Harburg Group’s Vision

Harburg Group, known for its minority ownership in La Liga side Cádiz CF, sees the acquisition as part of a broader multi-club investment strategy. The firm aims to develop Al‑Kholood into a high-performing organization by focusing on infrastructure, talent development, and sustainable operational models.

Rather than emulate the high-profile signings made by top-tier Saudi clubs in recent years, Harburg’s focus will be on building strong player pathways and nurturing local talent. Their strategic roadmap includes investing in scouting networks, youth academies, and performance infrastructure—ensuring the club’s success is rooted in long-term stability rather than short-term star power.

Implications for Saudi Football

This move has far-reaching implications for the future of Saudi football. The presence of a fully foreign-owned team in the Pro League could encourage further international investment, setting a precedent for other clubs and raising the global profile of the league.

It also highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to transforming its football industry into a commercially viable and globally competitive sector. Analysts view this development as a possible gateway for international partnerships, content distribution, and increased fan engagement across borders.

What’s Next for Al‑Kholood?

With new ownership comes renewed ambition. Al‑Kholood is expected to modernize its operations, professionalize its management structure, and align with international club standards. The Harburg Group has already indicated that it plans to integrate the club into a wider network of football assets, potentially enabling shared resources and talent exchanges.

The Pro League’s evolution is well underway, and Al‑Kholood now stands at the forefront of this transformation - not only as a football club but as a case study in cross-border investment and sports globalization.

Sources: SportsPro, The Times Of India, SportsDesk