This paper investigates the association between political stability, status-seeking behavior, and the propensity of autocratic states to host sporting events. Building upon the theoretical framework that suggests a correlation between these factors, this study utilizes an in-depth analysis of a broad sample of autocracies categorized into four groups: stable, status-seeking states; less stable, status-seeking states; stable, non-status-seeking states; and less stable, non-status-seeking states. A range of case studies of provide empirical evidence for the theory's predictions. The findings indicate that stable autocracies with a high desire for status enhancement, like the UAE, consistently host a large number of sporting events. Meanwhile, less stable autocracies with a similar status-seeking behavior, such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, also host significant sporting events but with noticeable fluctuations due to their political instability. Conversely, states like Brunei, which demonstrate political stability but lack an interest in status enhancement, show minimal inclination to host such events. Finally, the group of less stable, non-status-seeking states, including Iraq, Algeria, Bahrain, Angola, Venezuela, and Libya, have a limited record of hosting sporting events, attributed to a combination of political instability and different foreign policy priorities. This research contributes to the growing literature on the role of sports in international relations, particularly in the context of autocratic states, by revealing the complex interplay between political stability, status-seeking behavior, and the hosting of sporting events.