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If you hadn’t noticed, Saudi Arabia is throwing its hat into the ring just about anywhere and everywhere in the sports world these days.
But its yet to find its way into any of the “big four” American leagues.
That is, so far.
Just last month, NBA commissioner Adam Silver seemed to open the door to new Saudi Arabian team owners.
“People are a little too dismissive these days about the benefits that come from the commonality around sports,” Silver said while discussing the PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger on the Dan Patrick show.
But it appears he’s since backed off that stance.
“I don’t want to say what could ever happen, but there’s no contemplation right now,” Silver said Monday at the Associated Press Sports Editors convention. “I mean, it’s very important to us, putting aside sovereign wealth funds that individuals are in a position to control our teams, be responsible to the fans, be responsible to their partners and to the players.
“It’s very important to us that there be a person [in charge], and this is independent of sovereign wealth funds. I think that in terms of the connection with the community, the connection with the players and their other partners in the league.”
Now, that’s not entirely closing the door on a deal. As with a number of European soccer teams, the countries could simply appoint a figurehead to own the team who is backed by the state.
Though it does sound like Silver spoke to someone in recent weeks who advised him to take a step back from his earlier comments.
The league’s current ownership rules state that a controlling owner must own at least 15 percent of the franchise. They also note that any sovereign wealth fund can only have a passive investment in a team of no greater than 5 percent.
Qatar’s currently holds a 5 percnet stake in Monumental Sports & Entertainment. MSE owners the Washington Wizards as well as the Capitals and the WNBA’s Mystics.