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.

---

Etymology

Origin of sportswashing

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

Example Sentences

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman appeared to acknowledge that criticism in a recent interview, saying that if sportswashing boosts the country’s GDP by 1%, it is a strategy he will continue.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 12, 2026

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia's sports minister said claims of sportswashing against the country are "very shallow".

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2023

Having already lured two of the sport’s biggest stars in Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, the Saudis, amid allegations of sportswashing, are targeting a host of other high-profile players from Europe’s best leagues.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 21, 2023

Unlike other types of image laundering — environmental greenwashing, for instance — sportswashing taps into the deep emotional ties many fans have to their teams or sports.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2023

Some call it sportswashing and shrug at City’s feats.

From Washington Times • May 18, 2023