Riyadh: The Sports Investment Forum 2026 opened today in Riyadh, bringing together dignitaries, CEOs, investors, and decision-makers for a three-day event focused on the role of sports as an economic driver. According to Saudi Press Agency, the forum began with honoring participating entities, sponsors, and partners, followed by its first session titled 'Sports Investment as an Economic Growth.' Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Esports Federation, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, stated that the gaming and esports sector has become a strategic pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, with investments reaching SAR50 billion. He emphasized the importance of private sector participation in accelerating growth. Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Arabian Water Sports and Diving Federation, Prince Sultan bin Fahd bin Salman, noted that sports investment is a key economic driver, attributing the sector's significant transformation to leadership support. Meanwhile, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Nasser, Chairman of the Saudi Table Tennis Federation, pointed out that investment in sports is expanding beyond football to multiple disciplines, highlighting that the number of table tennis players in the Kingdom has exceeded 6,000 professionals, alongside a broad amateur base. He also announced the launch of the first professional table tennis league in partnership with the private sector and expanded broadcasting of competitions to increase audience reach. Chief Executive Officer of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, Prince Salman bin Abdullah bin Salman, remarked that sports investment contributes to improving competition quality, developing infrastructure, and enhancing the spectator experience, emphasizing that the sector has become a key pillar in diversifying the national economy. The forum reflects the Kingdom's growing position as a global destination for sports investment, supported by regulatory reforms, advanced infrastructure, and a rapidly evolving ecosystem.