The GIST: While trying to distance themselves from a reputation of bribery and corruption, international soccer’s governing body FIFA is once again drawing significant flack after a controversial decision regarding the 2034 men’s World Cup (WC) tournament. Let’s dive in.

Saudi Arabia officially confirmed as 2034 WC host: After submitting an unopposed bid, Saudi Arabia, a country widely criticized for its human rights violations, was awarded the hosting rights to the world’s biggest men’s soccer competition by FIFA on Wednesday.

• The tournament is the latest attempt by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to use sports to improve his country’s reputation, a tactic known as sportswashing.
• Twenty-one human rights groups signed on to a joint statement in response, decrying FIFA for endangering “resident, migrant workers, and visiting fans alike” by sending the WC to Saudi Arabia.

Zooming out: Saudi Arabia’s proposal outlines a WC held across five cities in 15 stadiums, requiring at least 11 stadiums to be renovated or built, in addition to creating 185K hotel rooms — a tall infrastructure task expected to be largely carried out by migrant workers.

• If this sounds familiar, that’s because it is. In preparation for the 2022 WC, migrants were employed to build stadiums in Qatar — and thousands reportedly died doing so. Horrific.
• FIFA’s response, or lack thereof, to such tragedy is among the chief complaints surrounding the decision to give the men’s WC to Saudi Arabia because, as senior director of the Middle East Democracy Center Abdullah Alaoudh said, “there is nothing to indicate that Saudi Arabia will be any better.”

The GIST: The NBA Cup, the league’s second annual in-season tournament, is heading to Sin City, with four teams vying for a spot in Tuesday’s grand finale. What happens in Vegas…will send every player on the championship-winning team home with a sweet payday, so let’s toss up the ball and preview tomorrow’s semis tilts.

Eastern Conference: No. 1 seed Milwaukee Bucks vs. No. 3 seed Atlanta Hawks, 4:30 p.m. ET: The Hawks took a page out of Troy Bolton’s book, soarin’ and flyin’ to seven wins in their last eight games, led by the three-pronged attack of Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and De’Andre Hunter.

• But Atlanta’s not the only squad that’s found their rhythm: Giannis Antetokounmpo (pronounced ah-det-oh-KOON-boh) and his Bucks are winners of nine of their last 11 and have revenge top of mind.

Western Conference: No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 2 seed Houston Rockets, 8:30 p.m. ET: Controversial quarter-final win aside, the Jalen Green–led Rockets are shooting for the moon, posting the second-best record in the conference despite missing the playoffs entirely last season.

• Standing in their way? Perennial MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the best-in-the-West Thunder. Fireworks, loading.

You already know about the growth in women’s sports, but did you know its soaring popularity is impacting global tourism? Our friends at Skyscanner say that Sports Mode, aka, traveling for an athletic event, will be one of the top seven travel trends of 2025.

• Ready to book a flight? Not so fast — first check out Skyscanner, the ultimate travel engine, and find the cheapest fares before you jet off.

🎓🏐 NCAA women’s volleyball: Championship tournament — Ongoing — ESPN2

• No. 1 overall seed Pittsburgh held off a near-upset by No. 4 seed Oregon to secure their quarter-final berth yesterday — now four Elite Eight spots remain and will be decided during today’s four high-octane matches. Spiky.

⛳ Golf: Grant Thornton Invitational — Today through Sunday — Golf Channel

• World No. 3 Lydia Ko and No. 34 Jason Day will work in tandem to defend their title at the fun-filled end-of-year mixed-team competition, taking on dynamic duos like Lexi Thompson and Rickie Fowler while competing for a $4M purse. Not a bad holiday bonus.

🏈 NFL: Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions — Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET — CBS

• These squads have the highest-scoring offenses in their respective conferences, boast dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball, and neither franchise has ever won a Super Bowl.
• With both teams dead set on changing number three, this potential title game preview has all the makings of an instant classic.

With the holidays right around the corner, you deserve a festive year-end treat. How about a quick getaway to beautiful Charleston, South Carolina?

Enjoy the ultimate cocktail experience including the following:

• 🏨 A three-night stay at the deluxe Dewberry Charleston
• 🍸 A history-inspired cocktail class
• 💳 A $500 AMEX gift card for travel…and so much more

Charleston’s calling — enter to win today.

This article about Sean Monahan’s incredible season. The Columbus Blue Jackets star is honoring the late Johnny Gaudreau by playing some of the best hockey of his career. Powerful.

Letterboxd. Log your favorite sports movies on Letterboxd, the social network for film lovers.

Hoops Muses, a vibrant journey through women’s basketball history and culture. This book brings the game’s milestones and legends to life and makes a great gift for the holiday season.