From Formula 1 to pro tennis, women’s sports are gaining visibility—but not always for the right reasons. When major players with questionable motives fund our games, we need to understand what’s really at stake. This piece breaks down the rise of sportswashing, the risks and rewards for women athletes, and how we can stay sharp and push for transparency.
By Sarah Hopkins
VIS Creator
Topic: Advocacy
August 22 2025
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In March 2023, Craig Pollock announced his Formula 1 team concept four years in the making: Formula Equal—a team with a 50/50 split between men and women employees at all levels. But this idea required mass amounts of funding from a “Gulf area country” that many speculated was Saudi Arabia. It didn’t take long for people to question whether or not this is another example of sportswashing. But, ...
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