Sports Illustrated

Unveiling the Legacy of Sports Illustrated: A Journey Through Time

Imagine a world where sports and storytelling intertwine to create an unparalleled experience. That’s what Sports Illustrated (SI) has been doing since its inception in 1954.

The Early Struggles of SI

When Sports Illustrated first hit the stands on August 9, 1954, it faced a daunting challenge. The magazine’s early content was heavily focused on upper-class activities like yachting and polo, which didn’t resonate with the broader audience.

The Turning Point: Color Printing

But then came color printing in 1965, turning the tide for SI. Suddenly, the magazine could present its content in a visually stunning way that captured the imagination of readers across all walks of life. This shift marked the beginning of a new era where sports and storytelling became inseparable.

The Golden Age: Gilbert Rogin and Frank Deford

Under Managing Editor Gilbert Rogin, Sports Illustrated flourished. Feature stories by Frank Deford became a hallmark of the magazine, earning him recognition as one of the best writers in the industry. These pieces were not just about sports; they delved into the human side of athletes and their journeys.

Innovative Leadership: Andre Laguerre

Andre Laguerre’s tenure as Managing Editor was pivotal for SI. He doubled circulation through innovative coverage, introducing “bonus pieces” that provided in-depth analysis at the end of each issue. These articles helped launch the careers of notable writers and solidified SI’s position as a leading sports publication.

Expanding Horizons

The magazine expanded its sports coverage significantly under Laguerre, introducing iconic features like the Swimsuit Issue. In 1986, Sports Illustrated partnered with HBO/Cannon Video to produce video versions of the magazine, further enhancing its reach and appeal.

Mergers and Acquisitions

SI’s journey continued through mergers and acquisitions. It was merged into Time Warner in 1990 and later spun off from Time Warner in 2014. In 2018, Meredith Corporation acquired Time Inc., including Sports Illustrated, but planned to sell the magazine due to its alignment with lifestyle properties.

The New Era: Authentic Brands Group

Authentic Brands Group (ABG) announced its intent to acquire Sports Illustrated for $110 million. Meredith would continue as publisher of SI editorial operations for at least two years under a licensing agreement. The company had backed a bid by Junior Bridgeman to acquire SI.

The Arena Group and Minute Media

However, the Arena Group missed a $3.75 million quarterly licensing payment in January 2024, leading ABG to terminate its licensing agreement. This move led to The Arena Group laying off the entire Sports Illustrated staff.

The Revival: Minute Media

ABG licensed the publishing rights to Minute Media in a 10-year deal, jointly announcing that print and digital editions would be revived by rehiring some of the editorial staff. This move aimed to bring back the magic of SI for its loyal readers.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout its history, Sports Illustrated has been recognized with numerous awards. From Performer of the Year to Sportsperson of the Year, the magazine has honored some of the greatest athletes and moments in sports history.

Legacy Awards and Special Editions

The legacy awards include Muhammad Ali’s Sports Illustrated’s Muhammad Ali Legacy Award, as well as All-decade awards for various categories. SI has also recognized top sports colleges, wrestlers, writers, photographers, and spinoffs such as Kids magazine, Almanac annuals, and others.

International Ventures

Sports Illustrated Australia launched in 1992 but lasted only six issues. Sports Illustrated Canada created and published from 1993 to 1995 with US content. SI Presents launched as tribute editions, while CNNSI.com was a 24-hour sports news website that launched on July 17, 1997.

Modern Ventures

In recent years, Sports Illustrated has ventured into new territories like Women magazine (launched in March 2000 and ceased publication in December 2002), On Campus magazine (launched on September 4, 2003, and ceased publication in December 2005), Online Casino (launched on February 7, 2023), and Esports Illustrated (launched in March 2023).

The Future of Sports Illustrated

As SI continues to evolve, it remains a beacon for sports enthusiasts. Its rich history is a testament to its ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

Will SI continue to innovate and captivate its audience, or will it face new challenges in the digital age? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Sports Illustrated has left an indelible mark on the world of sports journalism.

The legacy of Sports Illustrated is a story of resilience, innovation, and passion for storytelling. As we look to the future, it’s clear that SI will continue to be a vital voice in the world of sports, inspiring generations to come.