News DeskRiyadh, Saudi Arabia – Baseball United, the pioneering professional baseball league dedicated to the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, has forged a groundbreaking partnership with the Saudi Baseball and Softball Federation (SBSF). This landmark agreement heralds the introduction of professional baseball to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking a historic milestone for the sport.
Under the terms of the agreement, Baseball United has secured an indefinite tenure to stage its professional league and tournaments within the Kingdom. The deal also grants Baseball United rights to establish new franchises representing three of Saudi Arabia’s largest cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. This initiative marks the inception of professional baseball in Saudi Arabia, a move anticipated to invigorate sports culture within the nation.
As part of this collaboration, Baseball United will establish a subsidiary in Saudi Arabia and collaborate closely with the SBSF to cultivate baseball across the region. Efforts will be focused on fostering grassroots participation, nurturing local talent, and formulating comprehensive training programs for players, coaches, and umpires at all levels. Moreover, Baseball United intends to organize future tournaments and league matches within Saudi Arabia, catering to the burgeoning baseball fan base in the country while fostering its expansion.
Baseball United will spearhead community engagement and marketing endeavors for its league, while the SBSF will provide support in government relations, regulatory matters, and policy advocacy.
In response to this historic partnership, Kash Shaikh, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Baseball United, expressed profound enthusiasm, stating, “This is a monumental day for the sport of baseball. Saudi Arabia is setting the pace for sports development, investment, and growth in the Kingdom and beyond.”
The SBSF, established in 2019, is recognized as the youngest baseball federation globally. Over the past five years, it has diligently laid the groundwork for baseball’s expansion in Saudi Arabia. With the alliance with Baseball United, the SBSF aspires to develop a competitive national team capable of participating in forthcoming World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) tournaments.
Nayef bin Muhammad bin Abdul Mohsen bin Humaid, Chairman of the SBSF, welcomed Baseball United to Saudi Arabia, affirming, “This partnership will elevate the caliber of players, events, and attention for the sport here in Saudi Arabia.”
Baseball United’s inaugural foray into the Middle East commenced with the All-Star Showcase held in Dubai last November. Featuring legendary Major League Baseball (MLB) figures such as Barry Larkin, Mariano Rivera, and Adrian Beltre, the event garnered international acclaim, underscoring the global appeal of baseball.
With the addition of franchises in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, Baseball United continues its mission to promote baseball as a unifying force across diverse communities. The league is poised to unveil its 2024 gameplay plans, including details on its Saudi expansion franchises, later this year.
The partnership between Baseball United and the SBSF represents a transformative moment for sports in Saudi Arabia, signaling a new era of athletic excellence and cultural exchange on the diamond.
