For decades the Sports Illustrated Magazines were iconic, but now the brand is in danger after a significant reduction in the workplace. Early Friday morning, the Arena group notified the Sports Illustrated emplyoyees of the layoffs.

According to the email that was sent out, it is a “strategic move to transform the business model.” This seems to be more of a continuation to when they brought in the AI-generated authors. Front Office Sports was the first to report the news.

This will likely be a brand altering move. One that changes the view of Sports Illustrated. The Arena Group, who bought Sports Illustrated five years ago has ruined the 70 year history of the iconic company. The move to layoff the Entire Staff comes after the Arena Group missed a $2.8 million payment that breached the Sports Illustrated licensing. That payment was missed three weeks ago.

Some of the massive layoffs by Sports Illustrated are expected to happen right away, while some others are expected to happen in short time.

“Some employees will be terminated immediately, and paid in lieu of the applicable notice period under the [the union contract],” Arena’s email to staffers said according to Front Office. “Employees with a last working day of today will be contacted by the People team soon. Other employees will be expected to work through the end of the notice period, and will receive additional information shortly.” (An Arena spokesperson did not immediately respond to FOS when contacted about the layoff plans.)

It seems that at least once a week we are seeing a layoff or two in the Sports Industry. Let this be a lesson to support the small sports media businesses that exist out there. Companies like Fantom Sports and all other independent journalists.

***

Think you got what it takes to be a Champion in the Shadow? Join Us.

Check out the Fantom Sports LinkTree to find us.