When was Sports Illustrated first published?
Sports Illustrated launched on the 9th of August 1954. Henry Luce initiated the publication despite not being a sports fan himself.
Questions about Sports Illustrated
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who founded Sports Illustrated and what were early challenges?
Henry Luce founded Sports Illustrated in 1954 while facing skepticism from Time-Life insiders who called the project Muscle and Sweat Socks. The magazine did not turn a profit until twelve years after its initial launch due to upscale advertisers doubting the market segment.
What role did Andre Laguerre play in developing Sports Illustrated?
Andre Laguerre arrived as assistant managing editor in May 1956 and doubled circulation by instituting departmental editors. He inaugurated full-color photographic coverage within a general news magazine and conceived the annual Swimsuit Issue which first appeared in 1964.
How has ownership of Sports Illustrated changed over time?
Time Inc. owned the magazine until 2018 when Meredith Corporation acquired the parent company. Authentic Brands Group purchased the brand for $110 million in 2019 before Minute Media secured publishing rights through a new ten-year deal in March 2024.
Which athlete appears on the most covers of Sports Illustrated?
Michael Jordan appeared on fifty covers between 1954 and 2016 making him the most frequent cover athlete. Muhammad Ali followed with forty appearances while LeBron James reached twenty-five covers during the same period.