Sports Illustrated lays off most of its staff, threatening iconic brand’s future
Washington PostJAN 2024
Sports Illustrated Publisher to Lay Off Most Staff
Image copyright: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Though it's no stranger to commercial woes, Sports Illustrated's possible demise is a heartbreaking chapter in the world of journalism. The world-leading magazine — which informed the world about legends including Muhammad Ali and Billie Jean — is more than just a sports publication; it's an inclusivity champion that prioritizes crucial issues, such as race, sexuality, and class. It can't be replaced.
Right narrative
Sports Illustrated was successful for 70 years for two reasons and two reasons only: it wrote about sports and put attractive women on the cover. Since it decided to become a social justice magazine in recent years, former subscribers understandably dropped the publication from their reading list. Its current predicament should come as no surprise.