Sports Illustrated has been one of the most iconic sports magazines in America. If you’re wondering who owns Sports Illustrated today, the answer is more complex than it seems. Over the past decade, the brand has changed hands multiple times, and its ownership structure now involves licensing, partnerships, and private equity.
Sports Illustrated Profile
Sports Illustrated (SI) is an American sports magazine and media brand known for its in-depth reporting, photography, and coverage of professional and collegiate sports. It was first published in 1954 and has since become one of the most recognized sports journalism brands globally. As of 2025, SI operates under a licensing model—its brand is owned by Authentic Brands Group (ABG), while its content is created and published by Minute Media.
SI covers a wide range of sports including NFL, NBA, MLB, college football, and international events. It is also widely known for its annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, a cultural phenomenon since the 1960s.
Company Details
- Name: Sports Illustrated
- Type: Licensed Brand (Owned by ABG, Operated by Minute Media)
- Industry: Sports media, publishing, digital content
- Founded: August 16, 1954
- Headquarters: Operates from multiple locations, primary digital publishing operations handled by Minute Media (New York-based)
- Parent Brand Owner: Authentic Brands Group (ABG)
- Publishing License Holder: Minute Media (since 2024)
- Status: Active (in print and digital formats).
Founders of Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated was founded by Henry Luce, the co-founder of Time Inc., one of the most influential figures in American publishing. Luce launched SI through Time Inc. with the goal of covering sports with the same editorial seriousness and journalistic quality as Time or Fortune.
Henry Luce initially faced challenges with SI, as early issues focused more on leisure sports like yachting and bridge, rather than mainstream sports. It wasn’t until the late 1950s that the magazine shifted toward the major sports leagues, which led to rapid readership growth.
Major Milestones of Sports Illustrated
1954 – First Issue Published: The inaugural issue of Sports Illustrated was released on August 16, 1954, featuring Milwaukee Braves’ Eddie Mathews on the cover.
1964 – First Swimsuit Issue Released: SI launched its first swimsuit edition, which became an annual blockbuster and pop culture landmark.
1989 – Sportsman of the Year Becomes Iconic: Although launched earlier, the Sportsman of the Year feature gained greater prestige during this era with televised announcements and major sponsorships.
1990s–2000s – Peak Circulation: SI’s weekly print circulation peaked at over 3 million copies, with a readership of more than 20 million.
2014 – 60th Anniversary: SI celebrated six decades with special issues, events, and a digital retrospective on its evolution.
2018 – Time Inc. Sold to Meredith Corporation: Sports Illustrated was included in the $2.8 billion acquisition of Time Inc. by Meredith.
May 2019 – Authentic Brands Group Acquires SI: ABG purchased Sports Illustrated from Meredith for $110 million, gaining full control over the brand’s intellectual property.
2019 – Publishing Rights Licensed to The Arena Group: ABG signed a 10-year deal licensing publishing and digital operations to The Arena Group (formerly known as Maven).
2024 – Publishing License Revoked from Arena Group: After failing to meet licensing terms, Arena Group’s rights were terminated by ABG.
March 2024 – Minute Media Becomes New Publisher: ABG signed a long-term partnership with Minute Media to manage Sports Illustrated’s digital and print publishing going forward.
2025 – Content and Revenue Strategy Realignment: Under Minute Media, SI has launched several digital-first initiatives including streaming partnerships, an expanded newsletter program, and sports betting content verticals.
Who Owns Sports Illustrated?
As of 2025, Sports Illustrated is owned by Authentic Brands Group (ABG), a private brand management company based in New York. ABG owns the intellectual property and brand rights of Sports Illustrated, including its logo, trademarks, and commercial licensing power.
However, ABG does not publish or operate Sports Illustrated directly. Instead, it licenses the publishing rights to third-party media companies. This approach allows ABG to focus on monetizing the brand, while content and editorial decisions are handled by its publishing partner.
Parent Company: Authentic Brands Group
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is the official parent company of Sports Illustrated. Founded in 2010 by Jamie Salter, ABG specializes in acquiring global brand IP across fashion, sports, media, and entertainment. The company’s business model revolves around acquiring valuable but underleveraged brands and then licensing them to operating partners worldwide.
ABG owns more than 50 brands including Reebok, Juicy Couture, Aéropostale, Forever 21, and Brooks Brothers. Its portfolio generates billions in retail sales annually through its licensing model. Sports Illustrated is part of ABG’s “media and lifestyle” segment, alongside brands like Barneys New York and Shaquille O’Neal’s media properties.
Acquisition by Authentic Brands Group
In May 2019, ABG acquired Sports Illustrated from Meredith Corporation for $110 million. The deal included all brand assets—such as the SI name, logo, archives, and international rights. However, Meredith retained a temporary license to continue publishing the magazine while ABG looked for a new long-term operator.
Later that year, ABG struck a 10-year publishing deal with The Arena Group (formerly Maven), granting them exclusive rights to operate SI’s print, digital, and licensing programs in exchange for royalties. This arrangement lasted until early 2024.
Key terms of the 2019 acquisition:
- ABG acquired the intellectual property, not the publishing business.
- Meredith continued publishing under license for a short transition period.
- Arena Group signed a 10-year publishing agreement shortly after.
Termination of Arena Group and New Publisher
In January 2024, ABG terminated its license agreement with The Arena Group. The termination was triggered due to multiple issues, including:
- Missed payments and royalty defaults
- Reported mass layoffs of the Sports Illustrated editorial staff
- Violation of contractual terms related to brand integrity.
This abrupt change led ABG to seek a new publishing partner to restore the brand’s editorial credibility and financial stability.
Minute Media Takes Over in 2024
In March 2024, ABG signed a new partnership with Minute Media, a fast-growing digital publishing company known for brands like The Players’ Tribune, FanSided, and 90min. Minute Media now controls the editorial, digital, social media, and print operations of Sports Illustrated.
Under Minute Media, Sports Illustrated has:
- Rehired key editorial staff
- Relaunched its print edition on a more sustainable model
- Introduced new digital verticals such as betting and sports documentaries
- Repositioned itself as a high-value brand for video and audio storytelling
Structure of Ownership and Operations
- ABG: Owns the brand, trademarks, and commercial rights
- Minute Media: Runs day-to-day publishing, content production, website, and print magazine
- Arena Group (former licensee): No longer involved since 2024
- Jamie Salter: CEO of ABG, indirectly oversees the strategic direction for Sports Illustrated through licensing decisions
This layered structure makes Sports Illustrated a brand-managed media outlet, where brand ownership is separated from content operations.
Other Relevant Details
- Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue remains under ABG’s control and is jointly promoted by both ABG and Minute Media.
- The Sports Illustrated Awards (SI Awards) are now handled through cross-brand partnerships involving ABG’s talent and event brands.
- ABG is reportedly considering global expansion for SI in non-English markets through regional licensees.
Who is the CEO of Sports Illustrated?
Since Sports Illustrated is split between a brand owner (ABG) and a publishing partner (Minute Media), the CEO responsibility is divided. Jamie Salter is the CEO of the owning company, while Asaf Peled leads the publishing side.
| Role | Name | Company | Responsibilities | 2025 Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Owner | Jamie Salter | Authentic Brands Group | Owns and licenses the SI brand | Led $311M Dockers deal, expanded sports brand portfolio |
| Publishing CEO | Asaf Peled | Minute Media | Manages editorial, tech, content, and distribution | Integrated SI, acquired STN Video, launched new SI digital content |
Jamie Salter – CEO of Authentic Brands Group
Background and Role
Jamie Salter is a Canadian-American entrepreneur and the founder, chairman, and CEO of Authentic Brands Group (ABG). He founded the company in 2010 after leaving Hilco Consumer Capital. With over three decades of experience in brand development and licensing, Salter is known for acquiring iconic but struggling brands and revitalizing them through partnerships and licensing models.
He has a hands-on leadership style and plays a direct role in every major acquisition. This includes the purchase of Sports Illustrated in 2019, when ABG bought it from Meredith Corporation for $110 million.
Leadership and Strategy
Salter has turned ABG into a global licensing powerhouse with a brand portfolio valued at over $30 billion in global retail sales as of 2025. His strategy is based on:
- Acquiring undervalued legacy brands
- Avoiding operational management by outsourcing through licensees
- Focusing on long-term brand equity and consumer engagement.
For Sports Illustrated, Salter prioritized protecting the brand’s legacy and finding capable publishers to manage its operations. He originally licensed it to The Arena Group, and later moved it to Minute Media after the former failed to meet performance and payment terms.
Salter’s long-term vision for Sports Illustrated includes expanding its global presence, developing its licensing potential (such as branded sports events and merchandise), and maintaining its iconic editorial tone through partnerships.
Industry Influence & Vision
Jamie Salter is one of the most influential figures in brand licensing. He has led some of the biggest brand acquisitions in the last decade, including Reebok (2022) and Dockers (2025). His focus is on turning brands into scalable assets across fashion, retail, entertainment, and media.
In 2025, he remains active in expanding ABG’s sports division, which includes Sports Illustrated, Shaquille O’Neal’s media rights, and partnerships with professional athletes and leagues.
Asaf Peled – CEO of Minute Media
Background and Role
Asaf Peled is the Israeli-born founder and CEO of Minute Media, a digital media company that took over the publishing license for Sports Illustrated in March 2024. He founded the company in 2011 and has grown it into a global digital-first media brand.
Peled’s background is in business development and technology, with earlier experience in venture capital and finance. Under his leadership, Minute Media has become known for its innovative publishing technology and fan-driven content approach.
Publishing Strategy
As CEO, Peled focuses on scalable, multi-platform digital storytelling. He believes in the power of distributed content across owned-and-operated websites, social media, OTT platforms, and syndication. Minute Media uses its proprietary technology platform, Voltax, to manage, scale, and monetize content across its brands.
When Minute Media acquired the rights to publish Sports Illustrated, Peled committed to:
- Restoring editorial quality by rehiring veteran sports journalists
- Expanding SI’s digital footprint through podcasts, newsletters, and video
- Integrating SI into Minute Media’s broader ecosystem alongside FanSided, The Players’ Tribune, and 90min.
He sees SI as a valuable and trusted legacy brand with untapped potential in digital video, sports betting content, and youth engagement.
Growth and Vision
Under Asaf Peled’s leadership, Minute Media has:
- Achieved annual revenues of nearly $170 million as of 2025
- Grown to over 600 employees across 14 countries
- Acquired STN Video in 2024 to strengthen its video syndication and monetization capability
Peled’s vision for Sports Illustrated is to turn it into a modern sports media network, blending its editorial heritage with dynamic, tech-forward content production. The company has already begun launching new initiatives under the SI banner, including athlete-driven video shows and e-commerce integrations.
Why This Dual-CEO Model Matters
The split between brand ownership and content operations is a modern approach to media management:
- Jamie Salter ensures Sports Illustrated’s long-term brand strength, licensing compliance, and monetization through partnerships.
- Asaf Peled ensures day-to-day excellence in publishing, audience engagement, and product innovation.
This division allows each leader to focus on their strengths—Salter in brand licensing, Peled in content and digital publishing—while keeping Sports Illustrated relevant in a rapidly evolving media environment.
Sports Illustrated Annual Revenue and Net Worth
Annual Revenue in 2025
As of 2025, Sports Illustrated is estimated to generate annual revenue between $80 million and $95 million, combining its print operations, digital platforms, brand sponsorships, and licensing income.
While Sports Illustrated is no longer a standalone operating company with its own balance sheet (since its publishing is handled by Minute Media, and its brand is owned by ABG), financial performance can be estimated based on its output and partnerships.
Most of its revenue now comes from:
- Digital advertising and content monetization, including video ads, affiliate links, and branded content
- Print subscription and magazine sales, which remain modest but stable
- Licensing agreements, including the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit brand, merchandise, and special events
- Podcast and audio content monetization, which has expanded in 2025 with athlete-led shows
- Syndication and partnerships, particularly through Minute Media’s content network and partnerships with sports platforms
The transition from The Arena Group to Minute Media in 2024 helped restore some advertising contracts, re-establish relationships with media partners, and improve audience engagement through newer formats. These changes contributed to a revenue rebound in 2025.
Sports Illustrated Net Worth in 2025
The estimated brand value or net worth of Sports Illustrated in July 2025 is between $350 million and $450 million. This valuation is based on several key factors:
- Legacy and brand recognition: Sports Illustrated remains one of the most trusted names in sports journalism, with over 70 years of history.
- Revenue-generating potential: Though smaller than peak years in the early 2000s, SI’s ability to generate consistent annual revenue through content, licensing, and events keeps its value relatively high.
- Swimsuit franchise value: The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit brand alone is estimated to contribute up to $50–$75 million in brand value due to partnerships, brand sponsorships, and its expansion into fashion and influencer platforms.
- Licensing opportunities: ABG and Minute Media are actively exploring new revenue verticals including documentaries, youth sports coverage, and global licensing, which continue to increase the brand’s long-term worth.
Though Sports Illustrated’s print circulation has declined over the years, its digital footprint and diversified income streams have helped stabilize its valuation.
Here is a 10-year historical revenue and estimated net worth table for Sports Illustrated (2015–2025):
| Year | Estimated Annual Revenue | Estimated Net Worth / Brand Value | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $320 million | $500 million | Operated under Time Inc.; peak print and ad performance |
| 2016 | $300 million | $480 million | Decline begins with shrinking print subscriptions |
| 2017 | $280 million | $450 million | Acquired by Meredith Corp. as part of Time Inc. deal |
| 2018 | $250 million | $400 million | Continued losses in print; digital pivot gains traction |
| 2019 | $210 million | $375 million | Brand acquired by ABG for $110M; publishing licensed to Arena Group |
| 2020 | $150 million | $330 million | COVID-19 impact; reduced live sports coverage |
| 2021 | $135 million | $310 million | Digital ad revenue slowly recovers; Swimsuit brand licensing expands |
| 2022 | $120 million | $290 million | Arena Group restructures editorial strategy |
| 2023 | $105 million | $270 million | Growing audience on digital but print revenue stagnates |
| 2024 | $85 million | $350 million | Arena Group license terminated; new deal signed with Minute Media |
| 2025 | $90 million | $400–450 million | Revenue rebounds under Minute Media; brand regains market credibility |
Brands Owned by Sports Illustrated
Here’s a list of the major brands owned by Sports Illustrated as of 2025:
| Company/Brand Name | Type | Year Introduced | Description | Operational Status (2025) | Revenue Source(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Illustrated Swimsuit | Standalone Lifestyle Brand | 1964 | Annual swimsuit edition turned into full-fledged brand with models, events, and fashion lines | Active | Licensing, Merchandising, Digital Media |
| Sports Illustrated Studios | Media/Content Production | 2020 | Develops sports documentaries, video series, and athlete profiles for digital platforms | Active | Video Licensing, Sponsorships, Syndication |
| Sports Illustrated Awards (SI Awards) | Event & Brand Recognition | Revamped 2020s | Annual awards event for top athletes and sports moments, streamed online and televised | Active | Sponsorships, Streaming Deals, Ticket Sales |
| Sports Illustrated Play | Youth Sports Tech Platform | 2015 (phased out) | Provided scheduling and team management tools for amateur sports teams | Discontinued | N/A (Phased Out) |
| SI Sportsbook | Sports Betting Platform | 2021 | Sports betting platform under licensing agreement using SI brand | Licensed Brand | Licensing Royalties, Advertising |
| Sports Illustrated Kids (SI Kids) | Youth Media Brand | 1989 | Magazine and digital content for kids with simplified sports coverage | Active | Subscriptions, Ad Sales, Educational Partnerships |
| SI Tickets | Ticketing Platform | 2021 | Online platform for booking sports and entertainment event tickets | Active | Commission from Sales, Affiliate Revenue |
| SI FanNation | Team-Focused News Network | Expanded 2020s | Network of fan-operated sports news sites for specific teams/leagues | Active | Digital Ads, Affiliate Links, Traffic Monetization |
| Sports Illustrated Vault | Digital Archive Platform | Rebranded 2010s | Online archive of every SI issue since 1954 with historic photos & stories | Active | Licensing, Educational Use, Content Repurposing |
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit brand is one of the most powerful and recognizable assets within the Sports Illustrated portfolio. Originally launched in 1964 as an annual magazine feature, the swimsuit edition has since evolved into a standalone brand. It now operates independently with its own editorial team, events, brand ambassadors, merchandise, and licensing deals.
In 2025, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has expanded into fashion, influencer marketing, branded swimwear lines, pop-up events, and digital campaigns. The Swimsuit brand also runs talent searches, body positivity initiatives, and co-branded partnerships with apparel and cosmetic companies. It generates substantial revenue through licensing and content syndication.
Sports Illustrated Studios
Sports Illustrated Studios is the multimedia production arm of the brand, focused on developing original video, film, and documentary content. Formed in partnership with production entities and digital platforms, this studio division has produced sports documentaries, athlete profiles, and original storytelling across OTT and streaming services.
By 2025, SI Studios has worked on a slate of new digital series centered around behind-the-scenes athlete stories, major sporting events, and historic sports moments. It serves as a key part of the brand’s video-first expansion strategy under its publisher, Minute Media.
Sports Illustrated Awards (SI Awards)
The Sports Illustrated Awards is an annual event celebrating achievements in sports. While originally an editorial feature, the SI Awards have been transformed into a live-streamed event with red carpet appearances, celebrity hosts, and brand sponsorships.
By 2025, the SI Awards have gained commercial success through streaming rights, ticketed events, and social media partnerships. It features categories like Sportsperson of the Year, Breakthrough Athlete, and Lifetime Achievement. The event is co-produced with media partners and is considered a revenue-generating asset for the brand.
Sports Illustrated Play (Defunct/Phased Out)
Sports Illustrated Play was once a digital platform designed to support youth and amateur sports teams with scheduling, team management, and analytics tools. Originally launched under previous ownership before ABG’s acquisition, the platform struggled to gain market share against competitors like TeamSnap.
As of 2025, SI Play has been phased out and is no longer an active part of the Sports Illustrated brand portfolio. However, its underlying concept may be revived in the future through third-party licensing or partnerships.
SI Sportsbook (Licensing Agreement)
SI Sportsbook is a sports betting platform launched under the Sports Illustrated brand through a licensing agreement. Although Sports Illustrated itself does not operate the platform, it allows the use of its brand for sports betting services in select U.S. states.
As of 2025, SI Sportsbook continues to operate via its original partner but is undergoing strategic review. There are plans to relaunch or expand the offering with new digital features, especially targeting mobile-first betting markets. This brand extension ties into SI’s broader effort to reach younger, digitally active sports audiences.
Sports Illustrated Kids
Sports Illustrated Kids (SI Kids) is the youth-oriented version of the main publication. It features simplified sports journalism, athlete interviews, comics, trivia, and educational games tailored for children. It is primarily distributed as a magazine and digital publication aimed at readers aged 7–14.
As of 2025, SI Kids remains active with print and digital editions and has partnered with educational organizations and youth sports leagues. It helps build brand loyalty from a younger audience while aligning with parent-focused sponsorships and educational initiatives.
SI Tickets
SI Tickets is a ticketing platform launched under the Sports Illustrated brand, offering tickets to sports events, concerts, and entertainment shows. It operates via a white-label partnership with ticketing technology providers and features exclusive deals for Sports Illustrated readers.
In 2025, SI Tickets has added loyalty features, referral incentives, and integrations with other SI platforms. It serves as a digital extension of the brand’s live sports experience offerings and offers cross-promotional opportunities with SI editorial content.
SI FanNation
SI FanNation is a network of fan-driven sports team websites operating under the Sports Illustrated digital ecosystem. Each site is dedicated to specific teams or sports leagues and provides targeted content like news, trade rumors, injury updates, and opinion articles.
By 2025, FanNation includes coverage of the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, and international sports. It works with independent contributors, journalists, and bloggers, giving fans localized content while boosting SI’s digital traffic and SEO authority.
Sports Illustrated Archives & Vault
SI Vault is the digital archive of all Sports Illustrated magazine issues, dating back to the very first publication in 1954. The archive includes iconic cover stories, historic photography, and notable interviews.
In 2025, this archival content is being repurposed for digital documentaries, educational licensing, and collectible print reissues. It is seen as a cultural asset of long-term strategic value, both historically and commercially.
Final Thoughts
So, who owns Sports Illustrated? The answer lies with Authentic Brands Group, which owns the brand but not the publishing operations. The actual content and media business is now licensed to Minute Media. This split model allows ABG to focus on maximizing brand value while letting expert media firms handle operations.
Sports Illustrated remains an important media brand in sports journalism, even as its business model continues to evolve under private equity and licensing hands.
FAQs
Who is the new owner of Sports Illustrated?
As of 2025, Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is the legal owner of the Sports Illustrated brand. ABG acquired the intellectual property rights to Sports Illustrated in 2019. However, the operational and publishing rights have changed. In March 2024, ABG awarded global publishing and distribution rights to Minute Media, replacing Arena Group. This makes Minute Media the official operator of Sports Illustrated’s editorial and digital platforms.
What company owns Sports Illustrated?
The brand Sports Illustrated is owned by Authentic Brands Group, a brand management firm known for acquiring legacy brands and licensing them. While ABG owns the name and IP, Minute Media is responsible for content creation, editorial control, and global operations under a long-term licensing agreement signed in 2024.
Who is the founder of Sports Illustrated?
Sports Illustrated was founded by Henry Luce, the co-founder of Time Inc. He launched the magazine in 1954 as a publication dedicated to the world of sports. Luce was already a prominent figure in American publishing, having also launched Time, Life, and Fortune magazines.
Who owns Sports Illustrated Clubhouse?
Sports Illustrated Clubhouse is part of a branded initiative or venue experience associated with the Sports Illustrated brand. These types of ventures—often including gyms, lounges, or hospitality experiences—are typically developed through licensing deals. While Authentic Brands Group retains ownership of the brand, these specific Clubhouse locations or experiences are operated by third-party licensees under strict brand guidelines.
Did Sports Illustrated go bankrupt?
Sports Illustrated itself did not go bankrupt, but its previous publisher, Arena Group, faced major financial and operational issues in early 2024. This included mass layoffs and loss of publishing rights, which led Authentic Brands Group to terminate its agreement with Arena. These developments caused disruption but not bankruptcy for the Sports Illustrated brand itself. Under Minute Media’s new management, the brand continues to operate in 2025.
Who created Sports Illustrated?
Henry Luce, co-founder of Time Inc., created Sports Illustrated. He envisioned a publication that would cover a wide array of sports in a professional and compelling manner. The first issue was published on August 16, 1954. Luce’s initiative turned into one of the most iconic sports publications in American history.
Does Sports Illustrated still exist?
Yes, Sports Illustrated still exists in 2025. It continues to operate as a major sports media brand, with digital, print, and event properties. Under the management of Minute Media, Sports Illustrated has entered a new phase, focusing on digital transformation, multimedia content, and global sports coverage. Its legacy brands like SI Swimsuit, SI Kids, and SI Awards remain active and commercially viable.
Who owns Sports Illustrated as of 2025?
Authentic Brands Group owns the brand, while Minute Media manages publishing operations.
Who publishes Sports Illustrated now?
As of 2025, Minute Media holds the publishing license for Sports Illustrated.
Is Sports Illustrated still in print?
Yes, Sports Illustrated still has a print edition, although its focus has shifted more toward digital content.
Did Arena Group lose Sports Illustrated?
Yes, Arena Group’s license was terminated by ABG in 2024 due to non-payment and mismanagement.
How much did ABG pay for Sports Illustrated?
ABG acquired Sports Illustrated from Meredith Corporation for $110 million in 2019.
Does ABG run Sports Illustrated content?
No, ABG licenses the publishing to partners like Minute Media. It only owns the brand rights.
Who owns Minute Media?
Minute Media is a private company backed by investors including Battery Ventures and Qumra Capital.