Saudi Baseball, Softball Federation Partners with Baseball United to Introduce Professional Baseball to the Kingdom
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: The Saudi Baseball and Softball Federation (SBSF) has signed a landmark agreement with Baseball United to introduce professional baseball for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Baseball United, the first professional league focused on the Middle East and Indian subcontinent, will have the exclusive rights to launch franchises in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Under the agreement, Baseball United will play a pivotal role in developing baseball in Saudi Arabia, including the training of players and coaches. This historic collaboration aims to bring the sport to a new audience in the Kingdom and foster its growth, with an estimated 1.5 million fans in the country.
Kash Shaikh, Chairman, CEO, and Co-founder of Baseball United, expressed his excitement about the partnership, 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, and we are truly honored to now include baseball within those ambitious plans.”
Baseball United aims to contribute to the grassroots development of the game and assist in nurturing local talent. The collaboration is expected to elevate Baseball United’s standing and footprint within the region.
The Saudi Baseball and Softball Federation, established in 2019, is the youngest baseball federation globally and has been actively working to develop the sport in the country over the past five years. The federation’s focus is on building a strong local community that loves and practices baseball and softball, with aspirations to compete in international tournaments.
Nayef bin Mohammed bin Abdul Mohsen bin Humaid, Chairman of SBSF, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This partnership with Baseball United will help fuel that vision, and it will elevate the caliber of players, events, and attention for the sport here in Saudi Arabia. We are looking forward to many years of prosperity with Mr. Kash Shaikh and the entire Baseball United team.”
Baseball United, which initiated play in Dubai last November with its inaugural All-Star Showcase, plans to expand its professional baseball league into Saudi Arabia. The league’s ownership group includes 18 Major Baseball League legends, and it has already announced franchises in Mumbai, Karachi, and two UAE-based teams.
The league is scheduled to announce its 2024 gameplay plans, along with details about its expansion franchises in Saudi Arabia, later this year. The partnership between the SBSF and Baseball United is poised to contribute significantly to the growth and popularity of baseball in Saudi Arabia and the broader region.
