Premium sports journalism now owned by The New York Times. The Athletic offers in-depth coverage of NFL, NBA, MLB, soccer, and more with award-winning writers and local team coverage in 47 cities.
About The Athletic
The Athletic is a subscription-based sports journalism platform offering premium coverage that goes beyond scores and highlights. With writers embedded in local markets across 47 cities, The Athletic provides insider access and analysis that general sports media can't match. Acquired by The New York Times for $550 million in 2022, The Athletic has reached profitability and grown its newsletter subscribers to over 5 million — a 67% year-over-year increase. The publication combines national coverage with deep local team journalism.
What Makes This Newsletter Unique
The Athletic's model puts writers in local markets, providing insider coverage of teams that national outlets can't match. Whether you follow the Cowboys, Lakers, or Manchester United, there's likely dedicated beat coverage. The combination of national analysis, local reporting, and premium features like live game coverage and fantasy tools creates a comprehensive sports experience. The NYT acquisition has added resources while maintaining editorial independence.
Who Should Subscribe?
The Athletic is ideal for: - Die-hard fans of specific teams wanting insider coverage - Fantasy sports players seeking analysis and insights - Sports bettors wanting informed coverage - Fans who prefer long-form sports journalism - Anyone tired of hot takes and clickbait sports coverage The subscription is particularly valuable if you follow teams covered by their local beat writers.
Content Format
The Athletic offers: - Daily newsletters (personalized and topic-specific) - Breaking news newsletters - The Pulse: top stories across sports - Team-specific beat coverage - National analysis and features - Live game coverage and betting insights - Fantasy sports analysis
Recent Newsletter Issues
Pricing & Subscription Options
Free + Premium
- Daily emails
- Free tier with core content
- Premium tier with extra features
- Unsubscribe anytime
Free newsletters available + Subscription required for full article access (bundled with NYT subscription)
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Our Take: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Premium sports journalism quality
- Local beat writers in 47 cities
- Now backed by New York Times resources
- Free newsletters available
- Comprehensive coverage across sports
- Growing rapidly (5M+ newsletter subscribers)
Cons
- Full access requires paid subscription
- Not all teams have dedicated coverage
- Can overlap with other NYT sports content
- Some writers have left post-acquisition
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Athletic free?
Some newsletters are free, but full article access requires a subscription. The Athletic is often bundled with New York Times subscriptions.
Who owns The Athletic?
The New York Times Company acquired The Athletic for $550 million in 2022. The publication became profitable in Q3 2024.
How many sports does The Athletic cover?
The Athletic covers NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, soccer (including Premier League), golf, MMA, and more across 47 cities.
Can I get coverage for my local team?
The Athletic has beat writers in 47 North American cities plus UK coverage. Check their team listings to see if your team is covered.
Is The Athletic worth the subscription?
If you're a serious sports fan who values in-depth coverage over hot takes, The Athletic provides value that free sports sites can't match.
About the Author: The Athletic Team
The Athletic Team
The Athletic was founded in 2016 by Alex Mather and Adam Hansmann with the mission of bringing high-quality sports journalism to underserved local markets. The company grew rapidly to cover teams in 47 North American cities plus the UK. In 2022, The New York Times acquired The Athletic for $550 million. The publication became profitable for the first time in Q3 2024 and continues to grow its subscriber base and newsletter audience.
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