Saudi Arabia’s PIF sells its 70% stake in Al-Hilal to Kingdom Holding Company in a deal valuing the club at $373 million.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has sold its majority stake in top football club Al-Hilal. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) divested a 70% share to Kingdom Holding Company, the investment firm of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.
The transaction values Al-Hilal’s share capital at 1.4 billion Saudi riyals (USD 373 million). The PIF will retain a minority stake in the Riyadh-based club, which currently features French striker Karim Benzema.
“The sale aligns with PIF’s strategy to maximise returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy,” the fund stated. It added that this supports wider efforts to drive development and diversification in Saudi Arabia.
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal described Al-Hilal as a national symbol and source of pride. “This acquisition expresses our deep belief in the power of sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for national development,” he said.
The PIF, managed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, acquired its initial stake in Al-Hilal in 2023. That move was part of a broader strategy to invest in four Saudi Pro League clubs, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
The capital injection allowed Al-Hilal to sign high-profile foreign players like Brazilian star Neymar, who has since departed. The PIF stated it had “led the transformation of Al-Hilal… empowering it to achieve significant growth in value.”
As a remaining shareholder, the fund pledged to continue supporting the club’s growth journey. The PIF also owns English Premier League side Newcastle United.
