Scoop: Former CNN boss Jeff Zucker to buy Front Office Sports

October 2, 2023

Former CNN boss Jeff Zucker has agreed to acquire newsletter startup Front Office Sports, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: This is Zucker’s first acquisition since launching RedBird IMI, a $1 billion investment fund focused on media, entertainment and sports.

Zucker now has a brand and platform that he can use to develop and license new documentaries and video projects, with a source saying FOS will seek to hire new on-camera talent.
RedBird IMI is a joint venture between U.S. private equity firm RedBird Capital Partners and UAE-based International Media Investments (IMI), with Zucker at the helm.

Details: The deal, which remains unannounced, marks a new chapter for FOS, which CEO Adam White launched while in college in 2014.

In 2022 it raised $5 million from Crain Communications at around a $25 million valuation.
Most FOS products are free, but it did begin selling paid subscriptions in 2021.

The big picture: RedBird IMI last month said it would launch a new non-fiction content studio led by former Time president Ian Orefice.

A source tells Axios that FOS will fall under the studio’s umbrella.
Axios previously reported on the deal talks.

Relevant and recent posts

Newt’s World Episode 777: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

Newt’s guest is David Trulio, President and CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. They discuss the 35th anniversary of the fall of…

Thought Leader: Newt Gingrich

Anderson Cooper 360: Trump Says He Is Not Reconsidering Gaetz As His Pick For AG

Tomorrow the House Ethic Committee is expected to discuss the fate of its report on Matt Gaetz, President-elect Trump’s choice for attorney general. The former Florida…

Thought Leader: Anderson Cooper