Tennis is in talks with potential sponsor Saudia Arabia.
Nick Kyrgios welcomes Saudi investment in the sport.
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Amid reporting the Saudis are bidding to host the ATP’s NextGen Finals, Kyrgios tweeted “sign me up” along with 10 emojis of money bags.
“Finally. they see the value,” Kyrgios tweeted. “We are going to get paid what we deserve to be get paid. Sign me up.”
FINALLY. THEY SEE THE VALUE. WE ARE GOING TO GET PAID WHAT WE DESERVE TO GET PAID. SIGN ME UP 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰 https://t.co/sJpj9lK6Vg
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 26, 2023
Negotiations between the Saudis and the ATP emerged after the Saudi-backed LIV golf tour and the PGA announced a merger earlier this month. Following the merger announcement, The New York Times reported tennis will be the next sport the Saudis target.
“Tennis is probably the best candidate for a rival tour,” The Times reported. “Like golf, it’s an individual sport, which makes it easier for [Public Investment Fund, the Saudi sovereign wealth fund] to lure athletes with big checks.”
The fact golf set aside Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations to essentially sell the sport to the Saudis makes its forays into tennis more likely and more acceptable, former ATP Board Member Justin Gimlestob told The Street writer Dan Weil citing the Saudis essentially “unlimited” resources.
“This seems like a tipping point moment,” Gimelstob told TheStreet.com. “There will be an ability to rationalize partnering with Saudi Arabia moving forward, considering they have such significant resources and such an interest in sports.”
Photo credit: Getty
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