Billions deployed since early 2021 in a move critics say is an attempt to distract from human rights record

In the space of a few weeks, Saudi Arabia has hosted some big global names that underline how the kingdom is positioning itself in the world.

Saudi Arabia’s latest sportswashing scheme was a $20 billion bid to try and take over Formula 1, but current owners Liberty Media said no.

For an event renowned for off-water scandal and intrigue, the current America's Cup cycle has been decidedly lacking drama.

The PR machine is running at full speed because of the bad imageSaudi Arabia's human rights record. In this way, the authorities hope to attract foreign investors.

In The Playbook’s year-ender a couple of weeks ago, I called 2022 the year of sportswashing. So it was rather apt that the year ended with yet another instance of a government using sports sponsorship to improve its global reputation.

Judy Murray's role as a tennis coach at a tournament in Saudi Arabia next week would be used as sportswashing, a human rights organisation has said.

Critics say it is “sportswashing”, but years of relentless spending are making Saudi Arabia a central player in the world’s most lucrative sports.

Saudi Arabia’s tourist authority is reportedly set to sponsor the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand mid-year.

After years of relentless spending, Saudi Arabia is now a central player in the world's most lucrative sports. Critics say it is sportswashing, but is there an economic payoff that makes it all worth it?