What you get with a sports magazine subscription

A sports magazine subscription delivers print or digital issues to your home or device on a regular schedule — usually weekly or monthly — for a flat fee you pay upfront or in installments. The cost, frequency, and content vary widely depending on which publication you choose and whether you want print, digital, or both.

Most subscriptions renew automatically unless you cancel, so you pay the same amount at the same interval until you stop. Some publishers offer discounts for longer commitments (paying for a year upfront costs less per issue than paying month-to-month), while others charge the same rate regardless of term length.

Digital subscriptions typically start when ready after purchase, while print subscriptions usually arrive within one to two weeks of your order. Both formats let you manage your subscription online — pause it, change your address, or cancel without calling customer service.

Key Takeaways

  • Sports magazines charge different rates for print, digital, or bundled access, and introductory prices often expire after the first term.
  • Annual subscriptions cost less per issue than monthly ones, but require paying a larger amount upfront.
  • Most subscriptions renew automatically, so you need to cancel before the renewal date if you do not want to be charged again.
  • Digital subscriptions start when ready; print subscriptions take one to two weeks to arrive.
  • You can pause, resume, or cancel most subscriptions through your online account without contacting the publisher.

Print versus digital subscriptions

Print subscriptions deliver a physical magazine to your mailbox on a set schedule. You own the issue once it arrives and can read it anytime, share it, or keep it for reference. Print costs more than digital because of printing and postage, and delivery can take one to two weeks depending on your location and the publisher's schedule.

Digital subscriptions give you access to the current issue and often a back catalog of past issues through an app or website. You read on a phone, tablet, or computer, and access is when ready after purchase. Digital costs less than print and does not depend on mail delivery, but you lose access if your subscription ends or the publisher shuts down the app.

Some publishers offer a bundle — print plus digital access for a price between the two. This lets you read the current issue online while waiting for the print copy to arrive, or switch between formats depending on where you are. Bundle prices vary; some cost only slightly more than print alone, while others charge close to the sum of both.

How subscription pricing works

Publishers use introductory rates to attract new subscribers. You might see an offer like $10 for the first three months, then $25 per month after that. The introductory price is real, but it expires — your bill will jump when the term ends unless you cancel before the renewal date. Always check what the renewal price will be before you buy, because it is often two to three times the introductory rate.

Annual subscriptions almost always cost less per issue than monthly ones. If a monthly subscription costs $15, an annual subscription might cost $120 to $150 — roughly $10 to $12.50 per month. The trade-off is that you pay the full amount upfront and cannot cancel mid-year without losing the unused portion (some publishers offer prorated refunds, but this varies).

Gift subscriptions and multi-year deals sometimes offer better per-issue rates than standard subscriptions. A two-year subscription might cost less than two separate one-year subscriptions. Student and military discounts are common; you typically need to verify your status through a third-party service like SheerID or StudentBeans during checkout.

Major sports magazines and their subscription options

Sports Illustrated offers digital access through its website and app, with print subscriptions available through third-party retailers like Amazon. Pricing varies by retailer and whether you choose print, digital, or both. The magazine publishes weekly.

ESPN The Magazine (print edition) is available through direct subscription and third-party retailers, though ESPN has shifted focus toward digital content on ESPN.com and the ESPN app. Pricing and frequency depend on the retailer.

The Athletic is a digital-only sports publication covering multiple sports and teams. It charges a flat monthly or annual rate for unlimited access to all content, with no ads. There is no print edition.

SLAM Magazine focuses on basketball and hip-hop culture, available in print and digital formats. Print subscriptions are available directly and through retailers; digital access is through their website and app.

Sporting News publishes digital content through its website and app, with some print editions available through select retailers. Pricing and availability vary by format and region.

Niche publications — focused on specific sports like golf, cycling, or fishing — often have their own subscription pages where you can compare print and digital rates directly. Many also offer free trials or sample issues before you commit to a paid subscription.

How to manage your subscription

Most publishers let you log into your account online to view your subscription status, update your payment method, change your mailing address, or pause your subscription. You can usually pause for one to three months without canceling, which keeps your subscription active but stops charges and deliveries temporarily.

To cancel, log into your account and look for a "Manage Subscription" or "Account Settings" section. You should see a cancel option there. If the website does not offer online cancellation, you may need to call customer service or email the publisher — check their contact page for the method they accept. Always cancel before your renewal date if you do not want to be charged for the next term.

If you are charged after canceling or want a refund for unused issues, contact the publisher's customer service with your order number and subscription dates. Refund policies vary; some publishers offer prorated refunds for unused time, while others do not refund monthly subscriptions once the billing cycle has started.

Where to buy sports magazine subscriptions

You can buy directly from the publisher's website, which often has the best introductory rates and gives you the most control over your account. Direct subscriptions also let you manage everything online without a middleman.

Third-party retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and magazine subscription services (Magzter, Scribd, Kindle Unlimited) also sell sports magazine subscriptions. These platforms sometimes offer different pricing, bundled access to multiple publications, or integration with existing accounts. Read the terms carefully — some third-party subscriptions are managed through the retailer rather than the publisher, which can make cancellation or account changes more complicated.

Gift subscriptions are available directly from most publishers and through retailers. You typically choose the length (three months, one year, two years) and provide the recipient's mailing address or email. Gift subscriptions usually start when ready or on a date you specify.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I cancel my subscription mid-year?

Most publishers do not refund unused time on monthly subscriptions once the billing cycle has started. Annual subscriptions sometimes offer prorated refunds, but this depends on the publisher's policy. Check the terms before you buy, and contact customer service with your cancellation date if you think you are owed a refund.

Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling?

Yes, most publishers let you pause for one to three months through your online account. Pausing stops charges and deliveries but keeps your subscription active, so you can resume without signing up again. Check your account settings or contact customer service to see how long you can pause.

Do I have to use a credit card to subscribe?

Most publishers accept credit and debit cards. Some also accept PayPal or other digital payment methods. Check the payment options during checkout. If you do not see your preferred method, contact customer service to ask if other options are available.

How do I know if an introductory price will go up after the first term?

The renewal price should be listed on the checkout page or in the terms and conditions before you complete your purchase. Look for text like "then $X per month" or "renewal price." If you cannot find it, email customer service or call before you buy to confirm what you will be charged after the introductory period ends.

Can I gift a subscription to someone who already subscribes?

This depends on the publisher. Some allow you to extend an existing subscription with a gift, while others require you to start a new subscription under a different email address. Contact the publisher's customer service before buying a gift subscription if the recipient already subscribes.