2023 marked sport's transformation into geopolitical instrument, argues ArtReview essay

Rishi Dastidar's year-end essay in ArtReview contends that 2023 represented a pivotal shift where elite sports became fully integrated into global power dynamics, moving beyond mere sportswashing. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman explicitly defended sportswashing as economic policy, citing GDP growth targets. The Saudi Public Investment Fund's LIV Golf tour forced a merger with the PGA Tour, demonstrating financial power's ability to reshape established institutions. Spain's Women's World Cup victory was overshadowed by federation president Luis Rubiales non-consensually kissing player Jennifer Hermoso during celebrations. India's Board of Control for Cricket leveraged the Indian Premier League's dominance to advance national interests during the Cricket World Cup. While individual moments like Simone Biles's gymnastics return and Bobby Charlton's death provided emotional resonance, the underlying trend shows sports increasingly serving geopolitical and economic agendas rather than pure competition. The essay traces this transformation to late 1870s Britain when games became systematically organized and exported. Despite concerns about player safety, environmental impact, and diminished unpredictability, the author acknowledges continued viewership in 2024.