Professional baseball is starting in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, regions known for their large investments in sports.
According to Reuters, on the 6th (Korean time), a Baseball United league was established in the Middle East and South Asia, including Saudi Arabia. According to the report, the Saudi Baseball and Softball Federation (SBSF) agreed to establish three professional baseball teams in Saudi Arabia.
Baseball United will establish professional baseball teams in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, three major cities in Saudi Arabia, to create a professional baseball league.
Kash Shaikh, the commissioner of Baseball United, said, “It’s an honor that baseball is a part of Saudi Arabia’s sports industry development and investment plan.” He added, “With this agreement, baseball’s position and influence have significantly expanded across the Middle East region. We will help baseball grow in the largest Middle Eastern country.”
Baseball United was established in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) last July. Since then, four teams – Mumbai Cobras (India), Karachi Monarchs (Pakistan), Dubai Wolves, and Abu Dhabi Falcons (UAE) – have joined, and they plan to create four more teams, starting the league with a total of eight teams this coming November.
Saudi Arabia is known as a big spender in the sports world. Saudi professional soccer recently signed world-renowned soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, and the Saudi Wealth Fund-sponsored LIV Golf Tour has caused a significant shift in the world of golf. With establishing a professional baseball league, Saudi Arabia is expected to shake the global sports market again.
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