SHORTLISTED 2026

Sports Writing Award | Shortlisted

Engulfed

by James Montague

How Saudi Arabia Bought Sport, and the World

In-depth look at how the murder of Jamal Khashoggi sped up the Saudi state’s involvement and investment in sport and how following the blueprint of similar activities from other Gulf states, was used as a way of quickly repairing Mohammed bin Salman’s reputation.

James Montague is an award-winning author and journalist from Chelmsford, Essex, who has reported regularly for the New York Times, BBC World Service, The Athletic, CNN, and Delayed Gratification, amongst others, from over 100 different countries and unrecognised territories. He is the author of four highly praised football books.

Explore the rest of the Sports Writing Award Shortlist
The Escape