Al-Hilal sold — Who is the new majority-stake owner? The Saudi sovereign wealth fund has sold its majority stake in one of the kingdom’s top football teams, Al-Hilal.The Public Investment Fund announced it was selling a 70 per cent stake in the record 21-time Saudi football champion to Kingdom Holding Company — a firm run by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family.Al-Hilal was one of four Saudi Pro League clubs controlled by PIF. The others are Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays, as well as Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli. In football, PIF also has a majority stake in Newcastle in the English Premier League.In a statement on Thursday, the investment fund said the sale of Al-Hilal “aligns with PIF’s strategy to maximise returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy” in its wider bid to drive “the development and diversification of Saudi Arabia.”ALSO READ | LIV Golf CEO says the show will go on amid reports of Saudi Arabia funding uncertainty“PIF is unlocking opportunities to make a transformative impact in the Saudi sports sector and deliver positive, long-term results.”The agreement came the same week as speculation about whether PIF was on the brink of cutting its financial backing of the divisive upstart LIV Golf competition.Following reports that PIF would be pulling out of LIV, the competition CEO said in a memo to his staff — a copy of which was sent to The Associated Press — that the 2026 season would go ahead “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” The situation beyond 2026 remained cloudy, however.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #AlHilal #sold #majoritystake #owner

Al-Hilal sold — Who is the new majority-stake owner?
The Saudi sovereign wealth fund has sold its majority stake in one of the kingdom’s top football teams, Al-Hilal.
The Public Investment Fund announced it was selling a 70 per cent stake in the record 21-time Saudi football champion to Kingdom Holding Company — a firm run by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family.
Al-Hilal was one of four Saudi Pro League clubs controlled by PIF. The others are Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays, as well as Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli. In football, PIF also has a majority stake in Newcastle in the English Premier League.
In a statement on Thursday, the investment fund said the sale of Al-Hilal “aligns with PIF’s strategy to maximise returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy” in its wider bid to drive “the development and diversification of Saudi Arabia.”
ALSO READ | LIV Golf CEO says the show will go on amid reports of Saudi Arabia funding uncertainty
“PIF is unlocking opportunities to make a transformative impact in the Saudi sports sector and deliver positive, long-term results.”
The agreement came the same week as speculation about whether PIF was on the brink of cutting its financial backing of the divisive upstart LIV Golf competition.
Following reports that PIF would be pulling out of LIV, the competition CEO said in a memo to his staff — a copy of which was sent to The Associated Press — that the 2026 season would go ahead “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” The situation beyond 2026 remained cloudy, however.
Published on Apr 17, 2026
#AlHilal #sold #majoritystake #owner

Sports news al hilal, al hilal majority stake owner, al hilal new owner, al hilal news, al hilal sale, al hilal sold, who is al hilal new owner April 17, 2026

The Saudi sovereign wealth fund has sold its majority stake in one of the kingdom’s top football teams, Al-Hilal.

The Public Investment Fund announced it was selling a 70 per cent stake in the record 21-time Saudi football champion to Kingdom Holding Company — a firm run by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family.

Al-Hilal was one of four Saudi Pro League clubs controlled by PIF. The others are Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays, as well as Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli. In football, PIF also has a majority stake in Newcastle in the English Premier League.

In a statement on Thursday, the investment fund said the sale of Al-Hilal “aligns with PIF’s strategy to maximise returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy” in its wider bid to drive “the development and diversification of Saudi Arabia.”

ALSO READ | LIV Golf CEO says the show will go on amid reports of Saudi Arabia funding uncertainty

“PIF is unlocking opportunities to make a transformative impact in the Saudi sports sector and deliver positive, long-term results.”

The agreement came the same week as speculation about whether PIF was on the brink of cutting its financial backing of the divisive upstart LIV Golf competition.

Following reports that PIF would be pulling out of LIV, the competition CEO said in a memo to his staff — a copy of which was sent to The Associated Press — that the 2026 season would go ahead “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” The situation beyond 2026 remained cloudy, however.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

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Deadspin | Iranian soccer players in Australia thankful for ‘safe haven’ <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/19163721.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/19163721.jpg" alt="Syndication: Arizona Republic" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Demonstrators wave Iranian flags in solidarity with the people of Iran during a rally at Arizona State University in Tempe on Oct. 1, 2022. News Support Women In Iran Solidarity Event  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Two members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who were granted asylum in Australia last month, released a joint statement Friday thanking the Australian government for assistance with “the process of rebuilding our lives.”</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were the only two of seven members of the Iran traveling party who remained in Australia after the group first sought asylum during the Asian Cup tournament. Four players and one staff member ultimately returned to Iran.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>During their time in Australia so far, both players had the chance to train with A-League team Brisbane Roar FC.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-4"> <p>“At this stage, our primary focus is on our safety, our health and beginning the process of rebuilding our lives,” the pair said in a statement released through the Australian Associated Press. “We are elite athletes, and it remains our dream to continue our sporting careers here in Australia.”</p> </section> <section id="section-5"> <p>Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh thanked the Australian government, in particular home affairs minister Tony Burke, for providing “a safe haven in this beautiful country.”</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>The team arrived in Australia in late February, just before the United States and Israel began air strikes against Iran. The team did not sing the words to the Iranian national anthem before a March 2 game against South Korea, setting off a controversy back home, but sang the words in subsequent games.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“We’ve been working very, very closely with them, but obviously this is a very complex situation,” Matt Thistlethwaite, an assistant immigration minister for Australia, told Sky News last month. “… They’re being given all the support of the Australian government and indeed the diaspora community to remain here and settle in Australia.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Iranian #soccer #players #Australia #thankful #safe #haven

#Deadspin #Angels #great #Garret #Anderson #dies">

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August 20, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Former Los Angeles Angels player Garret Anderson acknowledges spectators before being introduced for induction into the Angels hall of fame at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Garret Anderson, the hero of Game 7 of the 2002 World Series and the all-time hits leader among other offensive categories for the Angels’ franchise, died on Thursday. He was 53.

The Angels did not disclose a cause of death in announcing his passing on Friday. TMZ reported Anderson died following a medical emergency at his home in Newport Beach, Calif.

“The Angels Organization is mourning the loss of one of our franchise’s most beloved icons, Garret Anderson,” Angels owner Arte Moreno said in a statement. “Garret was a cornerstone of our organization throughout his 15 seasons and his stoic presence in the outfield and our clubhouse elevated the Angels into an era of continued success, highlighted by the 2002 World Series championship.”

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Angels Hall of Famer Garret Anderson.
Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class, and loyalty throughout his career and beyond.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to… pic.twitter.com/RyF5qa7OPE
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) April 17, 2026

Anderson ripped a bases-clearing double in the bottom of the third inning, which proved to be the decisive hit to lift the then-Anaheim Angels to a 4-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants in Game 7 of the 2002 World Series. It remains the only World Series appearance for the franchise.

“Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class, and loyalty throughout his career and beyond,” Moreno said. “His admiration and respect for the game was immeasurable.”

Anderson remains atop the franchise all-time list in hits (2,368), total bases (3,743), extra-base hits (796), doubles (489), RBIs (1,292) and games played (2,013). He batted .296 with 272 homers with the Angels after being selected by the club in the fourth round of the 1990 MLB Draft out of John F. Kennedy High School in Granada Hills, Calif.

Anderson was inducted into the Angels’ Hall of Fame on Aug. 20, 2016. The team plans to honor Anderson for the remainder of the season by the players wearing a memorial patch on their jerseys.

Here’s the patch the #Angels will wear the rest of the season to honor Garret Anderson pic.twitter.com/9L6S0ZlJrU
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) April 17, 2026

“We extend our deepest condolences to Garret’s wife Teresa, daughters Brianne and Bailey, son Garret ‘Trey’ Anderson III, and his entire family,” Moreno said.

A two-time Silver Slugger recipient and three-time All-Star, he became a full-time player in Anaheim in 1995 and stayed 14 seasons. Anderson finished his career by spending one season with both the Atlanta Braves (2009) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2010).

Only Mike Trout, with the franchise since 2011, has worn an Angels uniform longer than Anderson.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Angels #great #Garret #Anderson #dies">Deadspin | Former Angels great Garret Anderson dies at 53

August 20, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Former Los Angeles Angels player Garret Anderson acknowledges spectators before being introduced for induction into the Angels hall of fame at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Garret Anderson, the hero of Game 7 of the 2002 World Series and the all-time hits leader among other offensive categories for the Angels’ franchise, died on Thursday. He was 53.

The Angels did not disclose a cause of death in announcing his passing on Friday. TMZ reported Anderson died following a medical emergency at his home in Newport Beach, Calif.

“The Angels Organization is mourning the loss of one of our franchise’s most beloved icons, Garret Anderson,” Angels owner Arte Moreno said in a statement. “Garret was a cornerstone of our organization throughout his 15 seasons and his stoic presence in the outfield and our clubhouse elevated the Angels into an era of continued success, highlighted by the 2002 World Series championship.”

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Angels Hall of Famer Garret Anderson.
Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class, and loyalty throughout his career and beyond.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to… pic.twitter.com/RyF5qa7OPE
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) April 17, 2026

Anderson ripped a bases-clearing double in the bottom of the third inning, which proved to be the decisive hit to lift the then-Anaheim Angels to a 4-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants in Game 7 of the 2002 World Series. It remains the only World Series appearance for the franchise.

“Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class, and loyalty throughout his career and beyond,” Moreno said. “His admiration and respect for the game was immeasurable.”

Anderson remains atop the franchise all-time list in hits (2,368), total bases (3,743), extra-base hits (796), doubles (489), RBIs (1,292) and games played (2,013). He batted .296 with 272 homers with the Angels after being selected by the club in the fourth round of the 1990 MLB Draft out of John F. Kennedy High School in Granada Hills, Calif.

Anderson was inducted into the Angels’ Hall of Fame on Aug. 20, 2016. The team plans to honor Anderson for the remainder of the season by the players wearing a memorial patch on their jerseys.

Here’s the patch the #Angels will wear the rest of the season to honor Garret Anderson pic.twitter.com/9L6S0ZlJrU
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) April 17, 2026

“We extend our deepest condolences to Garret’s wife Teresa, daughters Brianne and Bailey, son Garret ‘Trey’ Anderson III, and his entire family,” Moreno said.

A two-time Silver Slugger recipient and three-time All-Star, he became a full-time player in Anaheim in 1995 and stayed 14 seasons. Anderson finished his career by spending one season with both the Atlanta Braves (2009) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2010).

Only Mike Trout, with the franchise since 2011, has worn an Angels uniform longer than Anderson.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Angels #great #Garret #Anderson #dies

There is a certain calmness about R. Vaishali. That is evident in her voice, coming through clearly over the phone from Cyprus, some 5,000 kms away.

You could also sense some joy in her voice. You would understand if she chose to scream with delight: after all, she became the first Indian to win the Women’s Candidates chess tournament just a couple of days ago and thus qualified for the World title match.

Vaishali, though, is as collected as ever when she talks about the greatest moment of her career. “Winning the Candidates means a lot to me, as it has been my dream to win the World championship since I was a little girl,” she tells Sportstar. “When Viswanathan Anand sir was given a reception in 2012, after he won the World championship, I was one of the kids sent to the Chennai airport by my school, Velammal. That reception was inspiring.”

She was 11 then.

And Anand was there in Cyprus to congratulate her in person. He is her mentor now. She is being trained and sponsored by WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), which the five-time World champion founded along with Sandeep Singhal.

“Even before the Candidates, I had discussions with Anand sir, and the suggestions he made proved useful for my games,” says Vaishali. “And yes, I have been discussing chess with my younger brother R. Praggnanadhaa, who was playing the open section of the Candidates here. We even discussed what openings I should play for my last two rounds.”

It was a superb victory in her final-round game against Katerya Lagno that gave Vaishali the title. “I was very happy to see some Sicilian (Defence) on the board,” she smiles. “I didn’t expect her to play this Dragon variation specifically that day. But I had prepared it, of course, before the tournament. Since she had some chances if she won, she was provoked to play that aggressive line.”

But Vaishali didn’t give her a chance and dominated the game. “I am quite happy with that game, and also with the ones against Divya Deshmukh and Aleksandra Goryachkina,” she says. “I wasn’t pleased with the way I began, however — four draws and then a loss in the fifth round. But after that, I bounced back with successive victories. Yes, it has been a pattern for me: I tend to hit my peak after a low. Here, I wasn’t bothered about the standings at the early stage, as I knew I could come back later, but what worried me was the way I played: I was defending in every game. So I decided to focus on the quality of my games.”

That certainly helped.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Candidates #Discussions #Anand #Pragg #helped #triumphant #Vaishali">

Candidates 2026: Discussions with Anand and Pragg helped me, says triumphant Vaishali There is a certain calmness about R. Vaishali. That is evident in her voice, coming through clearly over the phone from Cyprus, some 5,000 kms away.You could also sense some joy in her voice. You would understand if she chose to scream with delight: after all, she became the first Indian to win the Women’s Candidates chess tournament just a couple of days ago and thus qualified for the World title match.Vaishali, though, is as collected as ever when she talks about the greatest moment of her career. “Winning the Candidates means a lot to me, as it has been my dream to win the World championship since I was a little girl,” she tells Sportstar. “When Viswanathan Anand sir was given a reception in 2012, after he won the World championship, I was one of the kids sent to the Chennai airport by my school, Velammal. That reception was inspiring.”She was 11 then.And Anand was there in Cyprus to congratulate her in person. He is her mentor now. She is being trained and sponsored by WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), which the five-time World champion founded along with Sandeep Singhal.“Even before the Candidates, I had discussions with Anand sir, and the suggestions he made proved useful for my games,” says Vaishali. “And yes, I have been discussing chess with my younger brother R. Praggnanadhaa, who was playing the open section of the Candidates here. We even discussed what openings I should play for my last two rounds.”RELATED | Vaishali has worked hard, is confident now: coach RameshIt was a superb victory in her final-round game against Katerya Lagno that gave Vaishali the title. “I was very happy to see some Sicilian (Defence) on the board,” she smiles. “I didn’t expect her to play this Dragon variation specifically that day. But I had prepared it, of course, before the tournament. Since she had some chances if she won, she was provoked to play that aggressive line.”But Vaishali didn’t give her a chance and dominated the game. “I am quite happy with that game, and also with the ones against Divya Deshmukh and Aleksandra Goryachkina,” she says. “I wasn’t pleased with the way I began, however — four draws and then a loss in the fifth round. But after that, I bounced back with successive victories. Yes, it has been a pattern for me: I tend to hit my peak after a low. Here, I wasn’t bothered about the standings at the early stage, as I knew I could come back later, but what worried me was the way I played: I was defending in every game. So I decided to focus on the quality of my games.”That certainly helped.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #Candidates #Discussions #Anand #Pragg #helped #triumphant #Vaishali

mwasimuddin125 0

There is a certain calmness about R. Vaishali. That is evident in her voice, coming through clearly over the phone from Cyprus, some 5,000 kms away.
You could also sense some joy in her voice. You would understand if she chose to scream with delight: after all, she became the first Indian to win the Women’s Candidates chess tournament just a couple of days ago and thus qualified for the World title match.
Vaishali, though, is as collected as ever when she talks about the greatest moment of her career. “Winning the Candidates means a lot to me, as it has been my dream to win the World championship since I was a little girl,” she tells Sportstar. “When Viswanathan Anand sir was given a reception in 2012, after he won the World championship, I was one of the kids sent to the Chennai airport by my school, Velammal. That reception was inspiring.”
She was 11 then.
And Anand was there in Cyprus to congratulate her in person. He is her mentor now. She is being trained and sponsored by WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), which the five-time World champion founded along with Sandeep Singhal.
“Even before the Candidates, I had discussions with Anand sir, and the suggestions he made proved useful for my games,” says Vaishali. “And yes, I have been discussing chess with my younger brother R. Praggnanadhaa, who was playing the open section of the Candidates here. We even discussed what openings I should play for my last two rounds.”
RELATED | Vaishali has worked hard, is confident now: coach Ramesh
It was a superb victory in her final-round game against Katerya Lagno that gave Vaishali the title. “I was very happy to see some Sicilian (Defence) on the board,” she smiles. “I didn’t expect her to play this Dragon variation specifically that day. But I had prepared it, of course, before the tournament. Since she had some chances if she won, she was provoked to play that aggressive line.”
But Vaishali didn’t give her a chance and dominated the game. “I am quite happy with that game, and also with the ones against Divya Deshmukh and Aleksandra Goryachkina,” she says. “I wasn’t pleased with the way I began, however — four draws and then a loss in the fifth round. But after that, I bounced back with successive victories. Yes, it has been a pattern for me: I tend to hit my peak after a low. Here, I wasn’t bothered about the standings at the early stage, as I knew I could come back later, but what worried me was the way I played: I was defending in every game. So I decided to focus on the quality of my games.”
That certainly helped.
Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Candidates #Discussions #Anand #Pragg #helped #triumphant #Vaishali">Candidates 2026: Discussions with Anand and Pragg helped me, says triumphant Vaishali

There is a certain calmness about R. Vaishali. That is evident in her voice, coming through clearly over the phone from Cyprus, some 5,000 kms away.

She was 11 then.

That certainly helped.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Candidates #Discussions #Anand #Pragg #helped #triumphant #Vaishali

Deadspin | Report: NWSL nearing vote on calendar shift Sep 30, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A general view of the game ball before the game between Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images The NWSL reportedly is considering a switch to a fall-to-spring schedule to align with other top soccer leagues — including MLS. ESPN reported on Friday that the NWSL’s board of governors is expected to vote on the issue later this month. Currently, the NWSL season runs from March to November. Top circuits in Europe start in late summer or early fall and end in late spring. MLS is making the transition to that format next season. The NWSL board previously voted against a calendar shift in 2024, according to ESPN. Switching calendars, if approved, could take several years to implement, per the report. A league spokesperson declined to provide a comment to ESPN. Those in favor of shifting to a fall-to-spring setup argue that there would be less competition for TV viewers for the NWSL playoffs. Those against a change point to the potential safety risks of playing in the league’s many cold-weather markets, including Denver, Boston, Chicago, Seattle and Salt Lake City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #NWSL #nearing #vote #calendar #shift

#Deadspin #Report #NWSL #nearing #vote #calendar #shift">

mwasimuddin125 0

Sep 30, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A general view of the game ball before the game between Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The NWSL reportedly is considering a switch to a fall-to-spring schedule to align with other top soccer leagues — including MLS.

ESPN reported on Friday that the NWSL’s board of governors is expected to vote on the issue later this month.

Currently, the NWSL season runs from March to November. Top circuits in Europe start in late summer or early fall and end in late spring. MLS is making the transition to that format next season.

The NWSL board previously voted against a calendar shift in 2024, according to ESPN.

Switching calendars, if approved, could take several years to implement, per the report.

A league spokesperson declined to provide a comment to ESPN.

Those in favor of shifting to a fall-to-spring setup argue that there would be less competition for TV viewers for the NWSL playoffs. Those against a change point to the potential safety risks of playing in the league’s many cold-weather markets, including Denver, Boston, Chicago, Seattle and Salt Lake City.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #NWSL #nearing #vote #calendar #shift">Deadspin | Report: NWSL nearing vote on calendar shift

Sep 30, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A general view of the game ball before the game between Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The NWSL reportedly is considering a switch to a fall-to-spring schedule to align with other top soccer leagues — including MLS.

ESPN reported on Friday that the NWSL’s board of governors is expected to vote on the issue later this month.

Currently, the NWSL season runs from March to November. Top circuits in Europe start in late summer or early fall and end in late spring. MLS is making the transition to that format next season.

The NWSL board previously voted against a calendar shift in 2024, according to ESPN.

Switching calendars, if approved, could take several years to implement, per the report.

A league spokesperson declined to provide a comment to ESPN.

Those in favor of shifting to a fall-to-spring setup argue that there would be less competition for TV viewers for the NWSL playoffs. Those against a change point to the potential safety risks of playing in the league’s many cold-weather markets, including Denver, Boston, Chicago, Seattle and Salt Lake City.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #NWSL #nearing #vote #calendar #shift

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