Saudi athletes build businesses with skills from sport

Researchers interviewed 24 Saudi athlete-entrepreneurs to understand how their experiences in sports influenced their work as business owners.

The study took place as Saudi Arabia implements Vision 2030, a plan to grow the country’s sports sector and create opportunities for athletes. The researchers found that these entrepreneurs drew on traits, skills, legacies, and values developed through sport when starting and running their businesses.

The athlete-entrepreneurs described how qualities like discipline and perseverance from their athletic careers helped them succeed in business. They also used skills learned in sport, such as teamwork, strategy, and leadership, in their entrepreneurial roles. Many participants felt proud of their athletic achievements and wanted to build on that legacy through their businesses. They also valued the communities they built through sport and tried to recreate those connections in their work.

However, the study also revealed a tension for many of the entrepreneurs. Most participants reported a difference between how they saw themselves as athletes and how others perceived them as businesspeople. This disconnect was especially strong among the women interviewed. The research suggests that athletes don’t simply abandon their athletic identities when they become entrepreneurs. Instead, they build upon their existing identities, adding new layers of experience and expertise.

This finding expands understanding of how athletes transition to entrepreneurship, particularly outside of Western countries.