Executive Briefing

Sports Illustrated’s new owner is about to test the limits of the ‘content and commerce’ model

Merch. Parties. Gambling. What else?

Sports Illustrated cover
Courtesy Meredith

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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Dan Frommer

Hi, I’m Dan Frommer and this is The New Consumer, a publication about how and why people spend their time and money.

I’m a longtime tech and business journalist, and I’m excited to focus my attention on how technology continues to profoundly change how things are created, experienced, bought, and sold. The New Consumer is supported entirely by your membership — join now to receive my reporting, analysis, and commentary directly in your inbox, via my twice-weekly, member-exclusive Executive Briefing. Thanks in advance.

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