It isn’t easy to compete with Saudi money.

After a two year run as the name sponsor of tennis’ ATP Rankings of the world’s top players, leading Australia based online broker Pepperstone is ceding the naming rights to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has estimated assets under management approaching $1 trillion. The Saudi PIF has signed a five year sponsorship deal with the ATP Tour, which will will see PIF become the official naming partner of the ATP Rankings.

The PIF will also partner with ATP Tour events in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Beijing and the Nitto ATP Finals, in addition to the Next Gen ATP Finals, to be hosted annually in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia until 2027.

The Saudi PIF fund is best known in the sports world for backing an alternative professional golf tour called LIV Golf, inking some of the world’s biggest golf stars to eight or even nine figure (USD) deals including Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, and most recently world #3 ranked golfer Jon Rahm.

FNG spoke with Pepperstone CEO Tamas Szabo about the company’s two-year run as sponsor of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, who said:

“We have really enjoyed being part of the ATP tour and the rankings sponsor for two years. We now hand it over to PIF and wish the ATP the very best of success. We will remain committed to tennis in other ways and we will be announcing more on that soon.”

Massimo Calvelli, ATP CEO, said of the new partnership:

“Our strategic partnership with PIF marks a major moment for tennis. It’s a shared commitment to propel the future of the sport. With PIF’s dedication to the next generation – fostering innovation and creating opportunities for all – the stage is set for a transformative new period of progress.”

Mohamed AlSayyad, Head of Corporate Brand at PIF, said:

“As PIF expands its portfolio of innovative sponsorships, our commitment to ‘Invested in Better’ remains unwavering. Through our collaboration with ATP, PIF will be a catalyst for growth of the global tennis landscape, developing talent, fostering inclusivity and driving sustainable innovation. This strategic partnership aligns with our broader vision to enhance quality of life and drive transformation in sport both within Saudi and across the world.”