sportswashing

American  

[spawrts-wosh-ing, -waw-shing] / ˈspɔrtsˌwɒʃ ɪŋ, -ˌwɔ ʃɪŋ /

noun

1. an instance or practice of rehabilitating the bad reputation of a person, company, nation, etc., or mitigating negative press coverage with a sports event, or an appeal to unify and reconcile groups in conflict by celebrating fans’ shared love of a game.

   The cost of sportswashing, from building stadiums to other infrastructure investments, has been worth it to a regime with such an indefensible human rights record.

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Etymology

Origin of sportswashing

First recorded in 2010–15; sportswash ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The state’s supremacy in the sports-betting space is also noteworthy because New York only legalized online sports wagering in 2022.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

Unlike traditional sports wagering, where odds are set by a bookmaker, sports-related event contracts are priced based on how other traders are betting in the market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Prediction markets that allow traders to bet on sports closely resemble traditional sports wagering.

From Barron's • Dec. 11, 2025

In 2003, the NFL rejected a Super Bowl ad from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority that didn’t overtly mention sports wagering — the city’s image as a gambling mecca was enough.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2024

That includes more than doubling the sports wagering tax — paid by casino sportsbooks — to 35% from 15%, generating an estimated $200 million.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 21, 2024