Updated Oct 2, 2023 - Economy

Former CNN boss Jeff Zucker to buy into Front Office Sports

Sara Fischer

Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for WarnerMedia

Former CNN boss Jeff Zucker has agreed to acquire a stake in newsletter startup Front Office Sports, and will serve as co-chair of the newsletter startup's board.

Why it matters: This is Zucker's splashiest deal 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.
Axios previously reported on the deal talks.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with new details, following an official press release.

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Former CNN boss Jeff Zucker to buy into Front Office Sports

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