Report: ESPN the Magazine set to shut down after 21 years of publication

ESPN the Magazine began in 1998 and was a very popular piece of print journalism for many of the following years.

However, with the changing media trends favoring digital journalism these days, ESPN the Magazine has fallen on hard times.

Now, according to a report from Sports Business Daily, the magazine will shut down in September after the annual Body Issue:

In an emailed statement, ESPN said, “Consumer habits are evolving rapidly, and this requires ESPN to evolve as well. The only change here is that we are moving away from printing it on paper and sending it in the mail. … Our data shows the vast majority of readers already consume our print journalism on digital platforms, and this approach will maximize our reach and impact.” ESPN said it will consider publishing print versions of special issues — like the Body Issue — in the future. The magazine launched in March ‘98. Sources said that it has lost money for the past several years. “It was not close to a break even proposition,” a source said.

Per Deadspin, there won’t be widespread layoffs, as many of the writers and producers will transition to the digital platform.

Adam Spencer

Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.