The New York Times has announced that it will dissolve its sports department and instead rely on The Athletic, a website it purchased for $550 million last year, for sports coverage.
According to The New York Times, this decision will affect over 35 individuals in the sports department. However, instead of facing layoffs, journalists currently working in the sports department will be reassigned to other positions within the newsroom.
In a letter addressed to the staff on Monday, New York Times Co. Chairman A.G. Sulzberger and CEO Meredith Kopit Levien explained that while they recognize this decision may disappoint some, they believe it is the right move for the benefit of readers. They are confident that this integration will allow The Times and The Athletic to capitalize on their respective strengths in journalism.
According to the New York Times Co. Chairman A.G. Sulzberger and CEO Meredith Kopit Levien, the shift to relying on The Athletic for sports coverage will actually lead to an expansion of sports content.
In their letter to the staff, Sulzberger and Kopit Levien explained that the digital homepage, newsletters, social feeds, sports landing page, and print section will feature a broader selection of approximately 150 stories produced daily by The Athletic. These stories will cover various leagues, teams, and players across the United States and around the world.
It’s worth noting that The New York Times has a rich history in sports journalism, with its sports writers winning several Pulitzer Prizes over the years. Notable recipients include Arthur Daley in 1956 for his column “Sports of the Times,” Walter Wellesley (Red) Smith in 1976 for commentary, and Dave Anderson in 1981 for commentary.
The acquisition of The Athletic by The New York Times Co. was announced in early 2022 as part of a strategic move to expand the newspaper’s audience of paying subscribers. This acquisition aimed to counter the decline in newspaper print ads business. The New York Times has experienced significant growth in its subscriber base, particularly during the presidency of Donald Trump and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the newspaper has been actively diversifying its coverage to include lifestyle advice, games, and recipes to maintain readership beyond the politically-driven news traffic boom of 2020.
