SportsPro Podcast

The week Saudi Arabia took over golf and how the PIF could reshape soccer

Jun 15, 2023

48:59

Tom Bassam and SportsPro technology editor Steve McCaskill have an in-depth conversation about the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund's move to control the elite tours in men's golf and how the kingdom's enhanced financial backing of its domestic soccer league could reshape the sport's ecosystem. There's also time for a few thoughts on another logistical Uefa mismanagement issue at a major event, with the recent Champions League final and the passing of a man who helped shape the competition in its modern form, Silvio Berlusconi.
Talking points:

The PGA Tour, the PIF and golf... what just happened? (1:01)
Why has this merger happened now? (7:25)
What we know is happening and what we don't (16:04)
Will the PIF's investment in the Saudi Pro League change soccer or be another CSL? (25:53)
What would a Saudi takeover of soccer look like? (34:26)
Another Uefa nightmare in Istanbul (40:33)
The legacy of Silvio Berlusconi (45:28)

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