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The case for debating the other side
I had my reservations ahead of a debate about trans inclusion in women’s sports last week, but the outcome reminded me that there is merit (and…
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Karim Zidan
4
Gianni Infantino, Peacemaker
Infantino’s diplomacy is not the diplomacy of treaties and compromises. It is the diplomacy of branding and spectacle. Where others see conflict, he…
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Karim Zidan
ICE recruitment ads air on UFC, WWE programming
Chilling ICE recruitment ads are seeping into sports and entertainment programming, including the UFC, WWE, WNBA and NFL programming depending on the…
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Karim Zidan
Speech: Trump, the UFC, and the new world order in sports
In my speech at Play the Game 2025, I delve into Donald Trump’s bond with the UFC and reveal the cast of power players shaping his sports agenda.
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Karim Zidan

September 2025

Between ‘The Rock’ and a hard place
For a wrestler once known as “The People’s Champ,” The Rock seems remarkably wary of taking sides. And by serving up little more than Hallmark…
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Karim Zidan
Double Fault Israel
Can sports hold Israel accountable for genocide?
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Sharon Nadeem
The Road Paved in Blood
This week's roundup: UCI events run on roads paved in blood; Spain’s PM calls for Israel sports ban;Trans student abandons lawsuit over safety risks…
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Karim Zidan
Sports in Charlie Kirk’s America
When sports leagues celebrate a man who profited on hate and division, it doesn’t just undercut the myth of unity in sports—it exposes what sports have…
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Karim Zidan
To understand Trump, look to the arena
From cage fights at the White House to crowd censorship at the US Open, Trump’s sports appearances are a contest of power, loyalty, and spectacle.
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Karim Zidan
For Djokovic, it’s tennis abroad, politics at home
This week's roundup: Djokovic becomes target of Serbian gov; UFC White House event confirmed; Ronaldo stars in Saudi tourism ad; Gulf states purchase F1…
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Karim Zidan
Louisiana Gov. funnels funds into Trump-tied sports spectacles
Governor Jeff Landry is pouring public funds into UFC and LIV Golf — sports ventures closely tied to Donald Trump —while Louisiana taxpayers foot the…
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Karim Zidan

August 2025

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