On this day, "Sports Illustrated" was published for the first time, quickly becoming a leading sports magazine in the United States. Join me as we explore the inception and impact of this iconic publication.

"Sports Illustrated" (SI) is an American sports magazine that made its debut in August 1954, founded by Stuart Scheftel. It holds the distinction of being the first magazine with a circulation of over one million to win the National Magazine Award for General Excellence twice. Perhaps best known for its annual swimsuit issue, which has been published since 1964, "Sports Illustrated" has also spawned numerous complementary media works and products, solidifying its place in the cultural fabric of American sports.

Before the successful launch of "Sports Illustrated" that we know today, there were two previous magazines bearing the same name. The first, created by Stuart Scheftel in 1936, targeted sportsmen with a focus on golf, tennis, and skiing, and was published monthly until 1942. The second attempt by Dell Publications in 1949 also named "Sports Illustrated," lasted only six issues. It was in the 1950s that Time patriarch Henry Luce saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the market for a weekly sports magazine that could cover current events, despite skepticism from his peers who doubted the viability of such a publication.

Luce and his editorial team met at Pine Lakes Country Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to plan the magazine. Despite early doubts and nicknames like "Muscle," "Jockstrap," and "Sweat Socks" from the intellectuals at Time-Life, the magazine launched on August 9, 1954. Initially, "Sports Illustrated" struggled financially and was not profitable for the first 12 years. However, its timing was fortuitous, as the popularity of spectator sports in the United States was about to surge, driven by economic prosperity and the advent of television.

The early issues of "Sports Illustrated" seemed torn between catering to an upscale audience with features on yachting and polo and capturing the broader sports fan base. However, as the magazine found its footing, it began to cover a wider array of sports, appealing to a more general audience. In 1965, the magazine adopted offset printing, allowing for crisper and more vibrant color images, a significant innovation that set it apart from other publications.

The 1960s also marked a turning point for "Sports Illustrated" under the leadership of Andre Laguerre, who became managing editor in 1960. Laguerre revamped the magazine's format, introduced the concept of one long in-depth story at the end of each issue, and capitalized on the rising interest in professional football. His innovations, including the popular swimsuit issue, helped to more than double the magazine's circulation and cement its place in sports journalism.

Over the years, "Sports Illustrated" became known for its high-quality writing and photography. Writers like Frank Deford and photographers such as Walter Iooss and Neil Leifer contributed to the magazine's reputation for excellence. Deford's feature stories and the competitive quest for the perfect cover shot by photographers became hallmarks of the publication.

In 2018, "Sports Illustrated" was sold to Authentic Brands Group (ABG) after the acquisition of its parent company, Time Inc., by Meredith Corporation. ABG then licensed the editorial operations to The Arena Group (formerly theMaven, Inc.) under a 10-year contract. However, financial challenges and missed licensing payments in early 2024 led to the termination of The Arena Group's license, and Authentic Brands Group subsequently licensed the publishing rights to Minute Media in a new 10-year deal, with plans to revive both the print and digital editions.

Despite these changes, "Sports Illustrated" has remained a prominent name in sports journalism, known for its comprehensive coverage and iconic issues. Its impact on sports media is profound, having chronicled countless memorable moments in sports history and influenced the way sports stories are told.

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