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In a strategic effort to illuminate the burgeoning sports investment landscape in the Middle East, the Middle East Sports Investment Forum has partnered with the Sports & Entertainment Knowledge Centre of the SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan. This collaboration now results in an annual White Report, offering in-depth insights into key dynamics shaping the region's sports ecosystem.
Held at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium across 2-3 June, MESIF London 2026 brought together the global sports industry to explore how the Middle East is shaping the future of global sport. Ahead of our next edition in Riyadh 2027, here are the key stats and takeaways from our flagship event, with further details in the post event report.
The seventh edition of the Forum welcomed 400+ senior decision-makers from over 250 organisations across more than 25 countries, representing US$1.22 trillion in deployable capital in the room.
Delivered in strategic partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Sport, and SELA, MESIF Riyadh 2026 convened 350+ senior international delegates, 27 sponsors and partners, and 46 influential speakers for two full days of high-impact dialogue, networking, and strategic collaboration.
MESIF Riyadh 2026 was held in January at the Ministry of Investment HQ and the iconic Kingdom Arena. MESIF Riyadh, for the second time, positioned Saudi Arabia at the heart of the MENA region’s rapidly evolving sports investment ecosystem.
MESIF Madrid 2025, delivered in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Sport of Saudi Arabia, and SELA, brought together 268 senior international delegates, 19 sponsors, and 51 influential speakers at one of the world’s most iconic venues, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
For two days, the Bernabéu was transformed into a global hub for sports investment. Within one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world, nearly 300 industry leaders engaged in high-level panels, fireside chats, and networking sessions, all centered around the rapid development of sports taking place in the MENA region.
The Middle East Sports Investment Forum continues to establish itself as the definitive platform for strategic dialogue in the global sports economy.
Following our successful London 2025 edition at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, we are pleased to partner with the Syracuse University Falk College of Sport on a comprehensive document that capture the insights, innovations, and strategic imperatives driving the region's sports transformation.
The Middle East Sports Investment Forum (MESIF) returned to London for its fourth edition—and second flagship event—on May 27–28, 2025, hosted at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Drawing more than 400 senior delegates, 54 VIP speakers and representatives from over 250 organisations spanning the GCC, Europe, Asia and North America, MESIF once again affirmed its status as the premier global platform where ambition meets action—and where sport is being redefined from the Middle East outward.
This year’s forum focused on three strategic pillars: uniting the region, unlocking investment and advancing sport at every level. A distinct message emerged: the Middle East is no longer simply a host of world-class sport—it is now a key driver shaping the future of the global sports economy.
MESIF NEWS
Jul 21, 2026
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Jan 27, 2026
Dec 3, 2025
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