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Shining a light on PE ownership.

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SP

Sports Illustrated

media
PE-OWNED

Iconic sports magazine and media brand.

PE-OWNED

Acquired by Authentic Brands Group2019-05-01

View PE Firm Profile

What Made It Great

“

The authoritative voice of sports journalism and photography.

What PE Will Likely Do

Predictions

Significant newsroom layoffs, resulting in reduced editorial staff and less in-depth sports coverage

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: Authentic Brands Group's track record of cost-cutting and brand licensing in other acquisitions

Consolidation of SI's online content with other Authentic Brands Group media properties, leading to a loss of the magazine's unique voice and perspective

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: Industry data showing the common tactics used by private equity firms in the media industry, including newsroom layoffs, content consolidation, paywall implementation, print reduction, and cuts to investigative journalism

Implementation of a stricter paywall, limiting free access to SI's high-quality sports journalism and photography

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The iconic status and authority of the Sports Illustrated brand, which could be at risk of degradation under aggressive cost-cutting measures

Reduction in the print edition's frequency or even the complete elimination of the print magazine

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The iconic status and authority of the Sports Illustrated brand, which could be at risk of degradation under aggressive cost-cutting measures

Cutbacks on investigative sports journalism, focusing more on quick, low-cost content

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The iconic status and authority of the Sports Illustrated brand, which could be at risk of degradation under aggressive cost-cutting measures

Expected Timeline

Phases
0-6 monthsCompleted

“0 to 6 months months”

Acquisition announced, promises of 'investment' followed by first round of layoffs and 'restructuring' announced

6-12 monthsYOU ARE HERE

“6 to 12 months months”

Print schedule reduced, more content cuts, and implementation of a stricter paywall

12-24 months

“12 to 24 months months”

Quality of sports coverage noticeably declines, reader complaints increase, and the iconic Sports Illustrated brand presence in the market starts to erode

Similar Cases

Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition

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McClatchy Newspapers

Chatham Asset Management·2020

See full case study
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Denver Post

Alden Global Capital·2018

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Chicago Tribune

Alden Global Capital·2021

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Baltimore Sun

Alden Global Capital·2021

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Vice Media

TPG Capital·2017

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What You Can Do

Take Action

Actions

  • Subscribe to Sports Illustrated's print edition and support high-quality sports journalism while it is still available

  • Provide feedback to the magazine's editors and owners about the importance of maintaining the publication's journalistic integrity and authority

  • Explore alternative sports media sources that prioritize in-depth, investigative reporting if the quality of Sports Illustrated's coverage declines

Alternatives

Research independent alternativesSAFE

Look for family-owned or employee-owned businesses

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"Sports Illustrated is now PE-owned. Here's what that means for you."