Executive Briefing
Sports Illustrated’s new owner is about to test the limits of the ‘content and commerce’ model
Merch. Parties. Gambling. What else?
By Dan Frommer on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 5:41 pm
As publishers struggle with traditional advertising, and as brands look to deepen their relationships with consumers, I’ve long been optimistic about the possibilities for smart, integrated content and commerce businesses.
So I was intrigued to see that Sports Illustrated’s buyer this week — for $110 million, or about half a Cheddar — was not a nostalgic billionaire, publishing conglomerate, or digital upstart, but instead Authentic Brands Group, a New York-based licensing firm with a brand portfolio that includes Juicy Couture, Nautica, Marilyn Monroe, and former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal.
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