Paul Rouse: How will the Saudi sports empire reshape the games we play?

There is now talk of talks to buy control of global tennis. Indeed, from the traditional sport of boxing to the new world of esports, Saudi Arabia is now front and centre.

Karim Benzema acknowledges the fans as they are presented to the crowd during the Karim Benzema Official Reception event at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Pic: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images

The world of sport is in the throes of immense change. In part, this is a matter of Empire. And we are now witnessing the construction of a new type of sporting Empire which is changing sport before our eyes.

The context here is important. Every significant empire has brought its sports to the boundaries of its realm. The evidence for this is abundant and undeniable. People who go on holidays this summer to Croatia or to England or to Tunisia will be able to see the Roman colosseums and amphitheatres at Pula or at Chester or at El Jem.