RIYADH: From global finance to Saudi stadiums, American investor Ben Harburg has taken an unusual path into the Kingdom’s sporting landscape. Known for managing billions of dollars through international investment funds, he recently made headlines by fully acquiring Al-Kholood Club, a team newly promoted to the Saudi Pro League.
The move reflects the growing appeal of Saudi football to international investors and aligns with Vision 2030’s ambition to connect sport with economic development and global visibility.
Harburg’s career is rooted in high finance. As a founding partner of MSA Capital, he has overseen assets exceeding $2 billion, investing in global giants such as Uber, Airbnb, and Palantir. Yet his decision to step into Saudi football reveals a different kind of calculation.
“I believe the Saudi Pro League is operating in a high-growth market, while competition in Europe is either weakening or flatlining,” he said. To him, this is not a short-term gamble but a long-term commitment to a sector on the rise.
What sets Harburg apart from the stereotype of foreign investors is his philosophy. Rather than chasing quick returns through marquee signings, he speaks of building a foundation of young Saudi players and world-class facilities.
“We’ve got to produce young Saudi players that can be sold to clubs like Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq,” he explained. “And we’ve got to attract players who don’t come to us simply because we pay the highest salaries, but because they find a high level of professionalism, training equipment, and infrastructure.” His approach resonates with the Kingdom’s broader push to make clubs more sustainable, competitive, and rooted in local talent.
Harburg also distinguishes himself with his presence among fans.
“Because of the way you’re treating your supporters and engaging with them, I’ve become one of your fans,” he said.
It is an attitude that extends beyond financial ownership, reflecting a desire to shape a deeper connection between the club and its community. In doing so, he adds cultural and social value to an investment that is often judged solely by numbers.
The arrival of an investor like Ben Harburg in the Saudi Pro League symbolizes more than the globalization of the game; it marks a shift in the way foreign capital interacts with local sport.
From Wall Street to Saudi Arabia, he embodies a new model of investment — one that sees people, infrastructure, and supporters as the true pillars of the future of football in the Kingdom.
