Sports law is considered one of the fastest-growing legal fields due to the increasing complexity of the sports system and its interconnection with the fields of investment, governance and dispute resolution – developments which have highlighted the need for a more specialised legislative framework to regulate this vital sector. With the rapid expansion of the sports sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in particular, the legislature has acted decisively to define binding regulates responsibilities and standards to apply across the entire industry.
The Saudi Sports Law, issued pursuant to Royal Decree No. (M/121) dated 1 December 2025, establishes a single legal point of reference for sports within the Kingdom and reorganises the sporting landscape according to a clearly defined governance and sustainability framework.
The Law serves to clarify the roles and relationships among:
- The Ministry of Sport;
• The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee;
• Saudi sports federations;
• Leagues;
• Clubs; and
• Athletes and all those working in the sports sector.
The Saudi Sports Law establishes the internal governance structures of Saudi sports entities (i.e. a General Assembly as the legislative authority, with a Board of Directors as the executive authority) and defines the methods for the constitution and appointment of the members of such entities, as well as their respective powers and obligations.
The Saudi Sports Law further emphasises the independence of sports entities, prohibiting any undue external interference that may have a direct or indirect impact on their membership of international sports governing bodies.
The Saudi Sports Law also codifies the structure by which the private sector can actively participate in the development of sports in the Kingdom, by allowing the establishment of sports companies, enabling clubs and leagues to transform into commercial entities, and granting them the right to own real estate and manage marketing and commercial activities. These measures present exciting opportunities for the enhancement of the financial sustainability of the sports sector and open the way to attracting local and international investments, contributing to supporting the growth of the sports market in an integrated and sustainable manner.
The Saudi Sports Law project represents a pioneering step in the development of the sports sector in the Kingdom and reflects the leadership’s keenness to build an integrated sports system that combines good governance, regulatory accountability and financial sustainability. The Saudi Sports Law is not limited to regulating the administrative structure of sports entities only but also seeks to enhance their independence and safeguard their compliance with the relevant binding international standards.
Good governance is the cornerstone to any effective sports ecosystem capable of keeping pace with local and international developments. Sport is not just competition or physical activity – it is also a powerful platform for development and investment. By implementing governance requirements and opening up new commercial pathways for investment in Saudi sport, the Saudi Sports Law promises to play a crucial role in the sustainable growth and efficient regulation of the entire Saudi sports environment.
We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the wise leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its continuous support of the sports sector, its ambitious vision, and its keenness to build an integrated sports system that makes sport a tool for growth and sustainable development.
