RIYADH — In a groundbreaking development, Baseball United, the first professional baseball league centered on the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, has forged a significant partnership with the Saudi Baseball and Softball Federation (SBSF).
Under this collaboration, Baseball United gains the right to organize its league and tournaments indefinitely within Saudi Arabia, introducing professional baseball to the country for the first time. The partnership allows the creation of new franchises in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
As part of the agreement, Baseball United will establish a subsidiary in Saudi Arabia to collaborate with the SBSF in promoting the sport across the Kingdom. Efforts will include developing training programs for players, coaches, and umpires to nurture local talent. The partnership also aims to expand the local baseball fanbase, leveraging the existing 1.5 million baseball enthusiasts in the country.
This partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader commitment to becoming a leader in sports and games. Kash Shaikh, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Baseball United, expressed excitement about the collaboration's potential to foster grassroots development and expand Baseball United's regional presence. The SBSF, established in 2019, has been actively working to pave the way for the expansion of baseball in Saudi Arabia.