For generations of sports enthusiasts, the arrival of the latest weekly issue of Sports Illustrated was a moment of anticipation, racing to the mailbox to discover the magazine’s cover featuring iconic images like the “Miracle on Ice,” Dwight Clark’s “The Catch,” or the anointing of a 17-year-old LeBron James as “The Chosen One.” However, the landscape has changed, and the once-dominant power of Sports Illustrated to shape sports discourse has diminished significantly.
Last week’s layoffs and uncertain futures for Sports Illustrated employees reflect the ongoing challenges faced by the publication. Factors such as the proliferation of sports coverage on cable channels, team-controlled media, and the rise of the internet have gradually eroded the magazine’s influence. Once considered the pinnacle of sports journalism, Sports Illustrated has struggled with a shrinking staff and reduced print frequency.
The magazine’s ability to define sports moments began fading well before 2024. The advent of cable channels, team-controlled media, and the internet chipped away at the influence Sports Illustrated once held. However, its historical impact is undeniable, with renowned photographers, writers, and editors shaping the narrative of iconic moments with a single photograph and a few words on the cover.
Photographer Robert Beck, one of the last remaining Sports Illustrated photographers when the magazine laid off its entire photojournalist staff in 2015, highlighted the power of placement. His head-on photograph of Brandi Chastain’s celebration in the 1999 Women’s World Cup final became legendary due to its positioning on the Sports Illustrated cover.
The magazine played a pivotal role in introducing athletes to the world, with cover features often propelling individuals onto the national stage. Superstar athletes like Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, and Tiger Woods became synonymous with Sports Illustrated covers. Fred Vuich, whose image of Tiger Woods at the 2001 Masters adorned the cover with the word “Masterpiece,” credited the photograph with shaping his career.
Despite its historical significance, Sports Illustrated has not been without controversy. Athletes like Michael Jordan and Tony Mandarich had complex relationships with the magazine, with some feeling mistreated or haunted by the so-called Sports Illustrated cover jinx.
Over the years, the economics of publishing led to changes in cover selection, transitioning from a focus on news to a personality-centric approach. The rise of social media platforms and instant access to highlights have further diminished the impact of Sports Illustrated covers in the digital age.
The recent layoffs and uncertainties facing Sports Illustrated underscore the challenges traditional media outlets face in the evolving landscape of sports journalism. While the magazine’s influence may have waned, the legacy of its iconic covers and the moments they captured will forever be etched in the annals of sports history.