Euroleague Basketball has announced that its 2025 Final Four will be held in Saudi Arabia, consolidating the country as a new player on the world sports map. The event will be held in the city of Riyadh, in a state-of-the-art pavilion built specifically to host major international competitions. This is Saudi Arabia’s latest initiative to expand its influence in world sport.

The country has already proven to be an excellent host for high-level events. It has hosted the Spanish Super Cup and the Italian Super Cup in football, it organizes the Dakar Rally, in tennis it has ambassadors such as Rafa Nadal. Its strong local football league boasts international stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, and Saudi Arabia will host the World Cup in 2034, reinforcing its commitment to sport as the driving force behind its international projection.

BASKETBALL ON THE RISE AND SOCIAL OPENNESS

Saudi Arabia’s relationship with basketball has been gaining prominence in recent years. Although football has historically been the most popular sport, investment in infrastructure and events has favored the growth of other disciplines, including basketball. The arrival of the Euroleague Final Four in the country is a further step in its sports diversification strategy.

This commitment to sport also reflects a social change. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has embarked on a process of opening up and modernization within the framework of Vision 2030, the strategic plan promoted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Although criticism persists in the area of human rights, the country has made progress in areas such as the integration of women in sport and the workplace, and has relaxed some of its traditional regulations.

EUROLEAGUE AND ITS GLOBAL GROWTH

Euroleague’s decision to hold its Final Four in Riyadh underscores the interest of major sports organizations in expanding into new markets. The competition aims to reach international audiences and leverage Saudi economic resources to strengthen its global presence. The move follows a trend already adopted by other sports, attracted by the multi-million dollar investments the country offers.

For local basketball fans, it will be a unique opportunity to watch top European teams compete in a completely new setting. The choice of Saudi Arabia as a venue could also open the door to future collaborations with the developing Saudi Basketball League.