Sports Illustrated's New York editorial ranks took another hit Friday as parent company Minute Media laid off a fresh batch of staff, cutting loose some of the magazine's most recognizable bylines. Colleagues and trade reporters quickly flagged senior writers Michael Rosenberg, Greg Bishop and Stephanie Apstein among those out, and multiple reporters and editors confirmed they were also shown the door. Industry tallies put the impact at an estimated 10 to 15 editorial jobs in this latest round.
This morning, I had my favorite kind of meeting: a short one. I was laid off during that meeting, but life is about tradeoffs, and look at me now, just a few hours later. The sun is out, the sky is blue, and I’m using this stupid website again.
— Michael Rosenberg (@Rosenberg_Mike) May 29, 2026
Veteran Byline Losses
According to Front Office Sports, the cuts swept up Rosenberg and Bishop and also included baseball writer Stephanie Apstein, who confirmed her departure. Barrett Media reported additional exits, including Mike McDaniel, Madison Williams, Stephen Douglas and editor Kyle Koster, and put the total editorial losses at roughly 10 to 15 people.
Companywide Cuts And A Failed Deal
Israeli tech outlet Calcalist reported that Minute Media is trimming about 12% of its global workforce, or around 60 jobs, and has unwound its acquisition of Indian AI startup VideoVerse. Calcalist cited a company statement describing the moves as "organizational adjustments" tied to efficiency efforts after problems emerged during the VideoVerse integration.
Where This Leaves Sports Illustrated
For Sports Illustrated, the new layoffs extend a rough stretch of churn for the 72-year-old brand as it tries to pivot from its print-heavy legacy to a business built around streaming, events and tech products. The Los Angeles Times has detailed that evolution and the financial pressures behind repeated newsroom cuts. Under Minute Media, SI has continued to chase new revenue streams even as its traditional editorial footprint keeps shrinking.
From The Byline
Several of the departing staffers broke their own news on X. Stephanie Apstein wrote that she was "eight days shy of my 15th anniversary" when she was informed of the layoff. Greg Bishop and Mike McDaniel also posted brief notes announcing they were out. The farewells ricocheted around sports-media circles as colleagues amplified the posts and traded memories of big stories past.
Company And Union Response
Front Office Sports reported that Minute Media and a representative for the Sports Illustrated employees' union could not be reached for immediate comment. Calcalist noted a company statement framing the changes as organizational in nature, but as of Friday evening Minute Media had not issued a more expansive explanation specifically addressing the newsroom cuts.
What To Watch Next
In the short term, readers can likely expect thinner beat coverage as remaining staffers pick up extra assignments and longtime voices fall silent. Industry observers will be watching whether Minute Media shifts more aggressively toward video and events or keeps whittling away at core editorial in favor of tech and distribution investments. This story will be updated if Minute Media or Sports Illustrated release additional details.
