Billions of dollars invested and a challenge to western leagues and clubs. We will take a look at Saudi Arabia making a major play in the world of sports.  

In the last few years, the Gulf nation, not exactly known for athletic prowess in international sports,  has been splurging on everything from golf to football investing over 10 billion dollars in major sports.

Brazilian football Superstar Neymar Junior is just the latest world-famous footballer to sign for a club in the Saudi Pro League. Some teams are offering huge contracts to attract top players.  

Joining the discussion: 

• Faisal Abbas is Editor-in-Chief of Arab News. 
• Khalil Beschir is a former racing driver and motorsports advisor.
• Stanis Elsborg is Senior Sports Analyst at Play the Game, an initiative promoting democracy, transparency and freedom of speech in international sports. 
• Tim Vickery is a sports journalist. 

Brazilian forward Neymar signed a two-year contract at Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal after six years with Paris St Germain https://t.co/5NA8w7bPPc pic.twitter.com/JlVTTbqH5u

— Reuters (@Reuters) August 16, 2023

It's been quite the week in golf as the PGA Tour struck a deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund 💰

Brilliant insight from @BBCRosAtkins who explains how the Saudi's bought into the sport ⤵️#BBCGolf pic.twitter.com/Mwxhhac1uS

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 9, 2023