RIYADH: The Saudi Baseball and Softball Federation has signed an agreement with Baseball United to bring the sport to the Kingdom.
Baseball United, the first professional league focused on the Middle East and Indian subcontinent, will have the rights to launch franchises in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
This marks the first time that professional baseball will be brought to Saudi Arabia.
As part of the agreement, Baseball United will assist in developing the game in the country, which includes training of players and coaches, the organization said in a press release on Tuesday.
Baseball United stated that there are an estimated 1.5 million fans in the country.
“This is a monumental day for the sport of baseball,” said Kash Shaikh, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Baseball United. “Saudi Arabia is setting the pace for sports development, investment, and growth in the Kingdom and beyond, and we are truly honored to now include baseball within those ambitious plans.
“This agreement significantly elevates Baseball United’s standing and footprint within the region, and, just as importantly, enables us to work at the grassroots level to help grow the game in the Middle East’s largest country.”
Shaikh added that they are “excited” to begin working with SBSF Chairman Nayef bin Mohammed bin Abdul Mohsen bin Humaid, Vice Chairman Reem bint Sufyan bin Abdul Latif Banaja, CEO Abdul Rahman bin Hassan Al-Shehri and other members.
The Saudi Baseball and Softball Federation is the youngest baseball federation in the world, formed in 2019. Over the past five years, the federation has been working to develop the game in the country.
The aim is to develop the national team to compete in upcoming World Baseball Softball Confederation tournaments.
Bin Humaid said: “Operating under the leadership of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, the SBSF has worked to build and inspire a local community that loves and practices baseball and softball within Saudi Arabia, with aspirations to also reach international horizons and achievements.
“This partnership with Baseball United will help fuel that vision, and it will elevate the caliber of players, events, and attention for the sport here in Saudi Arabia. We are looking forward to many years of prosperity with Mr. Kash Shaikh and the entire Baseball United team.”
Baseball United began play in Dubai last November with its inaugural All-Star Showcase, the first professional baseball games in the history of the region. The event was broadcast in 127 countries, reaching 200 million households. Baseball United’s ownership group now has 18 Major Baseball League legends, including Barry Larkin, Mariano Rivera, Adrian Beltre, Felix Hernandez, Robinson Cano and Ryan Howard.
Baseball United previously announced four franchises that will compete in its future tournaments and league, including the Mumbai Cobras, Karachi Monarchs, and two UAE-based teams, the Wolves and Falcons.
The league is scheduled to announce its 2024 gameplay plans as well as its Saudi Arabia expansion franchises later this year.
