Sporting News has named veteran media and marketing executive Jeff Price as its new president and publisher.
Price, consulting for the 124-year-old publication since October, formerly ran Sports Illustrated’s digital unit from 2005-09, engineering deals such as the company’s 2007 purchase of FanNation.com, an alliance with Citizen Sports Network, and the reconstruction of Golf.com. Prior to becoming SI Digital president, Price was a vice president and chief marketing officer for Sports Illustrated and also held executive roles for Millsport, Trakus, MasterCard and USA Sports.
Price said he intends to retain Sporting News’ core mission of serving avid fans of the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, and college football and basketball, but do so in a much more heightened multiplatform fashion. He will oversee the biweekly magazine, the daily digital edition of Sporting News Today and the online site, SportingNews.com. One effort under development is an enhanced version of Sporting News Today for the next generation of e-readers such as the iPad set for release later this year.
“There are very few iconic brands that have the heritage and legacy as Sporting News, and this represents an incredible opportunity,” Price said. “There is a strong foundation already in place, and I look forward to expanding upon what’s been done, continuing to serve that avid fan, and greatly expanding our opportunities in the marketplace.”
Sporting News is owned by American City Business Journals, which is the parent company of SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily. Price will be based out of the company’s New York office, but will frequently be in the Charlotte headquarters. He replaces Ed Baker, Sporting News publisher since ACBJ’s 2006 purchase of the publication. Baker is being promoted to ACBJ’s chief strategic officer, where he will work on key corporate development projects, as well as continue as publisher of the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
“I kind of feel like I got the first pick in the NFL draft or just landed the best free agent on the market,” said Whitney Shaw, ACBJ chief executive. “Either way, this is big for Sporting News. There’s not a more qualified person than Jeff Price to help us continue to build Sporting News. He’s bright, he’s connected and he’s totally dedicated to what we’re doing.”
“Jeff alone brings a lot of credibility, given his experience and knowledge within the marketing community, and signals that Sporting News is committed to competing at the highest level,” said Mike Kerns, chief executive of Citizen Sports Network and with whom Price worked while at SI. “He’s been somebody who’s committed to the future of digital, particularly social and mobile.”