• Loading stock data...
Friday, February 7, 2025

NY Times Reportedly In Talks to Acquire The Athletic

New York Times in talks to buy The Athletic.
Jens Schott Knudsen/Design: Alex Brooks

Speculation about The Athletic’s future took another turn Tuesday when Axios reported that The New York Times is in discussions to acquire the subscription-based sports media company. 

The Athletic was valued at around $500 million after a $50 million funding round in 2020. It also generated roughly $80 million in revenue in 2020, though it’s not profitable, per Axios.

In late March, Axios itself was reportedly in discussions with The Athletic about a possible merger. The Wall Street Journal later reported that Axios talks were off and that The Athletic was interested in doing business with The Times.

Axios said this week that once word of the potential Axios-Athletic merger leaked in March, The New York Times approached The Athletic about a possible acquisition.

Vox Media also reportedly held talks with The Athletic about a merger.

The Athletic has about 1.2 million subscribers. The New York Times has 8 million subscribers and a market cap of $7.11 billion. Its stock closed at $43.59 on Tuesday, up 3% for the day.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sophia Smith
exclusive

The Latest in Women’s Sports Construction Arms Race: A $75 Million Joint WNBA-NWSL Facility

The Portland facility is believed to be the first of its kind.

Why 21 of WNBA’s 24 All-Stars Will Be Free Agents Next Year

The WNBA players’ union opted out of the CBA in October.
Sep 29, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) dribbles the ball against New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones (35) during game one of the 2024 WNBA Semi-finals at Barclays Center.

A’ja Wilson’s Star Continues to Rise With Release of Nike Shoe

Shoe deals have picked up alongside growing popularity of the WNBA.
Dec 9, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez (9) celebrates scoring a goal in front of Los Angeles FC goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (16) during the MLS Cup final at Lower.com Field.

NASL Loses Antitrust Lawsuit Against MLS, U.S. Soccer

The defense argued bad business moves, not a conspiracy, tanked league.

Featured Today

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
Feb 3, 2019; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears mascot dances on the court during a stoppage in play in the second half against the Stanford Cardinal at Haas Pavilion.
January 31, 2025

The Toll of Bicoastal Travel on New ACC Members Cal and Stanford

Cal and Stanford face missed flights, chaotic sleep schedules, and academic demands.
January 28, 2025

It’s Starting to Pay to Be Good at Cornhole

American Cornhole League players made $7.7 million in 2024.
Nov 23, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas driver Lewis Hamilton (44) leads Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Circuit.
February 7, 2025

Netflix Exploring Bid for Formula One Rights in U.S. Starting 2026

ESPN holds the rights to F1 through 2025.
February 7, 2025

ESPN Faces Potential Exit from MLB Media Rights As Opt-Out Looms

A 35-year rights relationship now faces a very different media landscape.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
February 7, 2025

How Much Longer Can Fox Sports Keep the Top-Rated Pregame Crew Together?

The three have been at Fox NFL Sunday since 1994.
February 6, 2025

NFL Exec: We’re Reaching More Fans Without Spreading Too Thin

NFL media executive Brian Rolapp is bullish on the evolution of streaming.
Stephen A. Smith
exclusive
February 5, 2025

Stephen A. Smith Says Deal to Return to ESPN Coming ‘Very, Very..

Smith’s old contract was set to expire this summer.
Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; FOX broadcaster and former NFL quarterback Tom Brady looks on before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
February 5, 2025

Tom Brady Cagey About Scope of Role With Raiders

Brady was approved as a minority owner in the Raiders in October.