Sports Illustrated was founded in 1954 by Henry Luce, the co-founder of Time Inc. Luce envisioned a magazine that would elevate sports journalism to the level of other major news categories, recognizing the growing importance of sports in American culture. The magazine quickly became a staple in the sports media landscape. Today, Sports Illustrated is owned by Authentic Brands Group, which acquired the brand in 2019, while its digital and print operations are managed by The Arena Group (formerly Maven). Based in New York City, Sports Illustrated covers a wide range of sports news, including professional and college sports, with in-depth reporting, analysis, and feature stories. The website offers coverage of major sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, as well as international sports, Olympics, and emerging sports trends. Sports Illustrated also features opinion pieces, athlete profiles, and multimedia content to provide a comprehensive sports news experience. One interesting fact: Sports Illustrated is widely known for its annual Swimsuit Issue, first published in 1964 as a way to fill the winter months when sports news was slower. This special edition has since become a cultural phenomenon, often featuring top models and athletes, and has significantly contributed to the magazine's popularity and brand recognition beyond the sports world.