Jules Boykoff

Jules Boykoff is a professor of political science at Pacific University in Oregon and the author of six books on the Olympic Games, most recently What Are the Olympics For?

Portland Thorns women's soccer fans light a smoke bomb as part of a protest of the sex scandal in the National Women's Soccer League during a Thorns game against the Chicago Red Stars at Providence Park on November 14, 2021, in Portland, Oregon.

Is Portland About to Have Two Supporter-Owned Soccer Teams? Is Portland About to Have Two Supporter-Owned Soccer Teams?

Forcing a franchise owner to sell the team? Community ownership? It’s on the table for the raucous fans of the Portland Thorns and Timbers.

Oct 24, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

A man holds a black sign with white font that says,

Merritt Paulson Must Go Merritt Paulson Must Go

It is past time for the soccer impresario to sell the Thorns and Timbers, and Portland would be the perfect city to install public ownership.

Oct 10, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti speaks in front a sign that reads,

The Bloody Money Trail From the Qatar World Cup to the LA Olympics The Bloody Money Trail From the Qatar World Cup to the LA Olympics

Qatar is a human rights nightmare, but LA power brokers preparing for the 2028 Olympics don’t seem to care.

Aug 10, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Emergency services near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London

10 Years On, London’s Olympic Legacy Is in Shambles 10 Years On, London’s Olympic Legacy Is in Shambles

Much like the country’s politics, the aftermath of the 2012 Olympics has been a mess. 

Jul 27, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

The LA 2028 Summer Olympics reveals its new logo through murals across Los Angeles.

Organizers Don’t Care That the 2028 Olympics Could Be On Fire Organizers Don’t Care That the 2028 Olympics Could Be On Fire

In the face of climate catastrophe, the 2028 Olympics steam ahead unconcerned that they are making the crisis in Los Angeles County worse.

Jul 19, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

The Tragic Absurdity of Qatar’s World Cup Sportswashing

The Tragic Absurdity of Qatar’s World Cup Sportswashing The Tragic Absurdity of Qatar’s World Cup Sportswashing

Labor abuses, homophobia, corruption? Qatar and FIFA will use the men’s World Cup to put a happy gloss on it all.

Jun 21, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Portland soccer fans protest. Signs read.

Portland Soccer Fans Assert Their Power Portland Soccer Fans Assert Their Power

Fans in the Rose City are bringing their protests inside the stadium.

Apr 26, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Fans dressed in green hold a banner that says

The Portland Timbers Deny a Cover-Up. Fans Demand the Truth. The Portland Timbers Deny a Cover-Up. Fans Demand the Truth.

Questions remain as to whether the Portland Timbers management tried to convince the partner of a player to avoid pressing charges related to a domestic violence allegation.

Apr 13, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

Portland Soccer Feels the Power of Protest

Portland Soccer Feels the Power of Protest Portland Soccer Feels the Power of Protest

A movement to remove franchise owner Merritt Paulson could send shock waves beyond the Rose City.

Mar 30, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

The Beijing Olympics Showcase the Need for a Better Politics

The Beijing Olympics Showcase the Need for a Better Politics The Beijing Olympics Showcase the Need for a Better Politics

We must avoid a cold war while expressing solidarity with all in need.

Feb 10, 2022 / Edge of Sports / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

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