Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — In a groundbreaking move, Baseball United, the inaugural professional baseball league centered on the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, has entered into a significant partnership with the Saudi Baseball and Softball Federation (SBSF).

This collaboration grants Baseball United the right to organize its league and tournaments indefinitely within Saudi Arabia and create new franchises in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. This initiative marks the introduction of professional baseball to Saudi Arabia for the first time.

As part of the partnership, Baseball United will establish a subsidiary in Saudi Arabia to work alongside the SBSF in promoting the game across the Kingdom. Efforts will focus on nurturing local talent by developing training programs for players, coaches, and umpires. The partnership also aims to expand the local baseball fanbase, leveraging the country's existing 1.5 million baseball enthusiasts.

The agreement underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a leader in sports and games. "This is a monumental day for the sport of baseball," said Kash Shaikh, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Baseball United. He praised the partnership's potential to foster grassroots development and expand Baseball United's regional presence.

The SBSF, established in 2019, has since worked diligently to lay the groundwork for baseball's expansion in Saudi Arabia.