Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Football
Netball
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Full Noise by SN
Cheque, mate? Soccer star out to cash in on chess boom
Reuters • March 20th, 2026 9:14 am
Norwegian soccer superstar Erling Haaland is now investing in the cerebral world of chess | Photo: AP
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is making strategic moves off the football pitch after investing in Norway Chess to help launch a new global tournament aimed at turning the cerebral sport into a bigger spectacle.
Chess Mates, a company owned by Norwegian international Haaland and businessman Morten Borge, is set to become a significant owner of the Norway Chess organisation that's set up the new Total Chess World Championship Tour.
"Chess is an incredible game. It sharpens your mind, and there are clear similarities to football," Haaland said in a statement.
"You have to think quickly, trust your instincts, and think several moves ahead. Strategy and planning are everything.
"I'm investing in Norway Chess because I believe the new Total Chess World Championship Tour can turn chess into an even bigger sport for spectators around the world."
The series, which will crown a "World Combined Champion" across three time formats — Fast Classic, Rapid and Blitz - will feature four events a year in cities around the world.
It was approved by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in October, with a one-off pilot event scheduled for late 2026 before the full championship season begins in 2027.
"Erling has an enormous global following and is truly world-class when it comes to creating magical sporting moments," Norway Chess CEO Kjell Madland said.
"I am absolutely certain he will help generate increased interest in the fascinating world of chess, and attract new audiences."
Chess has become increasingly popular in Norway in recent years, thanks in large part to the success of the country's five-times world chess champion Magnus Carlsen.
Subscribe to Sport Nation's weekly football podcast Studs Up! on Spotify.
