Sports Illustrated, once considered the standard of sports journalism through its writing and photography, will lay off staff after a licensing deal fell through, the magazine’s publisher said on Friday.
The publication’s union said the layoff could involve “possibly all” of the NewsGuild workers represented. But SI senior writer Pat Forde disputed earlier reports that the entire staff was laid off, saying on social media, “There still is a website and a magazine. That said: Ugly, brutal day with many layoffs.”
In an email sent to staff Friday morning, the Arena Group, which operates the Sports Illustrated brand and SI related properties, said that Authentic Brands Group (ABG) has revoked its marketing license.
