The Big Lead is in the process of being shut down as of May 2024, following an announcement reported by Adweek. This closure is part of a broader integration strategy by Minute Media, specifically concerning the editorial rights of Sports Illustrated.
A Brief History of The Big Lead's Recent Changes
The online sports publication, The Big Lead, has experienced significant shifts in ownership and operations over the past few years, culminating in its recent shutdown announcement.
In March 2019, the media conglomerate Gannett sold The Big Lead to Minute Media, a company known for owning other sports-focused sites like 12up.com. This acquisition brought about immediate changes, including the layoff of several key writers, notably Jason McIntyre, who was a prominent figure associated with the site.
The latest development occurred on May 23, 2024, when Adweek reported that The Big Lead would be officially shut down. This decision is directly linked to Minute Media's integration of the editorial rights to Sports Illustrated into its operations. The company appears to be consolidating its sports content under the Sports Illustrated brand, making The Big Lead redundant in its portfolio.
Key Milestones
To summarize the recent trajectory of The Big Lead:
- March 2019: Gannett sells The Big Lead to Minute Media. This transition resulted in several layoffs, including that of long-time writer Jason McIntyre.
- May 23, 2024: Adweek reports that The Big Lead will be shut down. This move is part of Minute Media's strategic integration of editorial content rights for Sports Illustrated.
