About this episode
Ben is an American investor and owner of Saudi football club Al-Kholood. He made history for being first non-Saudi to acquire a team in the Saudi Roshn League. Ben is also the founder of MSA Capital, a global investment firm managing over $2 billion in assets. On this episode, Mo picks Ben’s brain on what first pulled him into the idea of buying a Saudi football club and why, out of all the options, he chose Al-Khulood FC. They get into what surprised him most about Saudi society since getting involved, and where he sees the Saudi league heading over the next decade, especially when it comes to breaking into the global rankings. 0:00 Intro2:22 Early Life5:05 Buying In: Reactions Barriers8:32 Fan Experience12:06 Why Saudi Football17:19 Media Digital Strategy22:38 Pre-Ronaldo League Momentum31:29 Why Al-Kholood FC?42:23 Saudi Talent46:00 Facilities Overhaul52:01 Privatization, Risk Sustainability59:50 Vision, Season Start Message To Fans1:06:35 Saudi’s AI & Tech Future1:11:04 Food, Hobbies & Love For Football1:16:18 Advice & Risk Taking1:19:07 Message To Fans1:23:20 Closing Remarks
