Las Vegas has invested over $7 billion in new arenas and stadiums over the past eight years|James Marvin Phelps|CC BY-NC 2.0
Las Vegas is gearing up to host its first-ever Super Bowl, marking a remarkable transformation from a city shunned by major US sports leagues to a burgeoning sports hub.
The Sin City, once synonymous with gambling and boxing, has invested over $7 billion in new arenas and stadiums in the past eight years to become the sports Mecca of America.
It has become home to major sports franchises and events, including Formula One Grand Prix, NHL’s Golden Knights, NFL’s Oakland Raiders and WNBA’s Aces. Other sports leagues like the MLB have approved moving teams to Vegas.
Celebrities and athletes, like Tom Brady and LeBron James, have also shown interest in Las Vegas sports ventures.
Similar to Vegas, Saudi Arabia, known for its restrictive society, has poured money into sports, aiming to diversify its economy (move away from relying on oil) and increase cultural relevance.
It bagged soccer superstars like Neymar for the Al Hilal club, invested in several esports companies (including Nintendo, Take-Two, and EA), and is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia are showcasing their growing influence on the global sports stage, vying for international attention and sporting events.