What happened to nyt sports?

Restructuring at the New York Times Sports Department

In July 2023, the New York Times underwent a significant restructuring of its sports coverage, resulting in the disbandment of its dedicated sports department. This move had a profound impact on staff, with some being laid off and others reassigned within the organization.

The decision to dissolve the sports department was part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and optimize resources. The Times recognized that the sports landscape had undergone a transformative shift in recent years, with the rise of digital platforms and the increasing popularity of specialized sports news outlets.

To adapt to these changes, the Times opted to partner with The Athletic, a subscription-based sports media company that it had acquired in 2022. The Athletic would assume the role of the Times’ sports section, providing comprehensive coverage of major sports events and in-depth analysis from a team of experienced sportswriters.

The restructuring process involved several key changes:

• The dedicated sports desk was eliminated, resulting in layoffs for a number of editors and reporters.
• Some sports staff were reassigned to other departments within the Times, including the News and Opinion sections.
• The Athletic became the exclusive provider of sports news and commentary for the Times, with its content integrated into the Times’ website and mobile app.

The move to partner with The Athletic was seen as a strategic decision that would allow the Times to continue offering high-quality sports coverage while streamlining its operations. The Athletic’s team of dedicated sports journalists would bring expertise and insights to the Times’ sports section, while the Times’ vast reach would provide The Athletic with access to a wider audience.

The restructuring has undoubtedly had an impact on the Times’ sports coverage. The number of sports stories and articles published in the Times has decreased since the disbandment of the dedicated sports department. However, the Times maintains that it is committed to providing comprehensive and incisive sports journalism to its readers.

By partnering with The Athletic, the Times aims to leverage the expertise of specialized sports journalists while optimizing its resource allocation. The success of this partnership remains to be seen, but it represents a significant shift in the way the Times approaches sports coverage in the digital age.