Alessio Santosuosso, Giulia Carnevale
May 12, 2025
Key people and transactions shaping the Sports industry
Welcome to our May 12, 2025 edition of the TOP 5 Sports Business News, according to CUBOPRO - your premier source for the latest developments in the sports industry. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of sports business, we are committed to providing you with short while insightful analysis of the most impactful events shaping our sector.
Here are the TOP 5 news of the past week according to us:
1. PIF and Ladies European Tour Launch $13 Million Global Series
The Ladies European Tour (LET) and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have officially announced the PIF Global Series, a landmark five-event women’s golf circuit with a combined $13 million prize pool.
Confirmed by both LET and PIF press releases, the series will run from March to November 2025, with events in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Four tournaments will each offer a $2 million purse, while the flagship Saudi Ladies International in Riyadh will feature a $5 million prize fund-making it one of the richest events outside the majors.
The initiative highlights PIF’s increasing investment in women’s sports and is designed to boost the global profile of women’s golf.
2. Women’s World Cup Expands to 48 Teams for 2031
FIFA has confirmed via its official channels that the Women’s World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams starting in 2031, following the men’s format.
The expanded tournament will include 12 groups and 104 matches, up from 64, and is projected to last 35 days.
The United States is the likely host, as reported by major outlets including BBC and ESPN.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the move is intended to “accelerate growth and investment in women’s football globally,” giving more nations and players a chance to compete at the highest level.
3. Jasmine Paolini Named Alfa Romeo Brand Ambassador
Alfa Romeo and Jasmine Paolini jointly announced that the Italian tennis star will serve as the brand’s new ambassador.
Paolini, currently ranked in the WTA Top 15, captured her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai in February 2025 and won Olympic gold in doubles at Paris 2024.
She will appear in Alfa Romeo’s advertising and promotional events, connecting the brand with a younger, sport-oriented audience.
The partnership was confirmed via official statements from both Alfa Romeo (Stellantis) and Paolini’s management.
4. David Beckham and Gary Neville Lead Salford City FC Takeover
Salford City FC has confirmed that a new consortium led by former Manchester United stars David Beckham and Gary Neville has acquired a controlling stake in the club.
The group of nine investors includes prominent figures such as Declan Kelly and Lord Mervyn Davies.
The deal, reported by The Guardian and BBC Sport, is expected to bring fresh investment into the club’s infrastructure and squad.
Beckham and Neville, who were already part-owners, have now increased their stake and influence, with the aim of driving Salford’s continued rise through the English football leagues.
5. Valencia CF Partners with Legends to Elevate Nou Mestalla Experience
Valencia CF has signed a major agreement with premium experiences company Legends to manage and optimize the hospitality areas at the upcoming Nou Mestalla stadium, set to open in summer 2027.
The new venue will feature over 6,500 hospitality seats-more than 9% of its 70,000-seat capacity-and offer nine different premium concepts.
This partnership is expected to double Valencia’s stadium revenue and position Nou Mestalla among Europe’s top stadiums for sport, business, and entertainment experiences.
These developments represent significant shifts in the sports business ecosystem, each with the potential to create new opportunities and challenges. We encourage our clients to consider the strategic implications of these trends on their portfolios and long-term business strategies.
As always, our team stands ready to provide in-depth analysis and tailored advice to help you navigate these exciting changes in the sports business landscape.
If you have questions or would like to discuss about this issue of the newsletter, please feel free to reach out at connect@cubopro.com.
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Best,
Team CUBOPRO