Sports Stars and Golfers Flock to Saudi-Backed Deals, Earning Record Pay and Stirring Controversy

Middle Eastern wealth has led Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to sign with Saudi Arabian-backed clubs and endorsements.
Golfers like Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson left the PGA tour to join the Saudi-funded LIV Golf league.
The massive pay raises from these deals have propelled many athletes to the top of Forbes' list of highest-paid players, with earnings of over $100 million.
Roger Federer earned almost $100 million despite retiring from professional tennis competition this year.
The financial incentives of Saudi money have been controversial,with some arguing it "sports washes" the kingdom's human rights record.