On Friday, The Athletic thinned out its staff of writers which included several notable MMA staff as well as boxing writer Rafe Bartholomew. In addition, it institute a reduction of pay across the board of at least 10% per The New York Times. On a day that the U.S. jobs report announced its unemployment numbers, sports writers were given their notices to vacate.
The news comes at a time when unemployment figures reflect the current stagnation of the economy. Sports has been on pause since early spring which has caused many journalists to take furloughs (notably John Morgan of MMA Junkie announced this as he was off of his usual beat the week after UFC 249 in Jacksonville). In addition, SB Nation (which publishes Bloody Elbow and MMA Mania) and Vox (MMA Fighting) have announced furloughs and/or reduction in staff. The Athletic let 46 writers go over a spectrum of sports and beats.
The Athletic let go of Josh Gross, Chuck Mindenhall, Chad Dundas and editor Dann Stupp on Friday.
Last month, Dana White noted that MMA journalists could be laid off as he was excoriating some for allegedly closing down an anticipated show April 18th in Lemoore, California.
Payout Perspective:
Its unfortunate that so many talented writers have been let go due to the economic climate and at a time in which it appears that sports will be returning. The Athletic’s subscription model has been a success as it burst onto the scene 4 years ago. It went under rapid expansion in the last couple years after receiving venture funding. It expanded into MMA and boxing last June. One year later, its staff in combat sports has been decimated. Without sports, there was not much to write about and despite a Fighter Survey in MMA this past week, the need for live sports was apparent. Obviously, there will be a time when the need for journalists with return, but its hard to say when and how that will happen.
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