Sportswashing is increasingly pervasive in commercial elements of elite sport, but there are many facets to this contemporary practice. In this introduction, a range of definitions of sportswashing are provided along with an overview of perceptions of these tactics from critics and supporters from around the world. At its most high-profile, international commentators and researchers accuse nation states of using their economic influence through major event planning and sponsorship to distract from poor human rights, climate change or mining-industry concerns, and seek positive coverage of their countries instead. However, this is not the only story of a complex issue, with sportswashing being viewed at times as a contemporary addition to sports diplomacy and soft power. There is also the potential for the strategy to backfire and dirty reputations instead of washing them. Throughout this volume, each author provides an outline of what sportswashing means in this relatively new and fast developing research field.