What a Sports Illustrated subscription includes

A Sports Illustrated subscription gives you access to SI.com's reporting, analysis, and photography across all sports. The magazine itself — the print edition — arrives at your home on a schedule that varies depending on which subscription plan you choose. Digital access through the SI.com website and mobile app is included with most subscription options.

The specific content you receive depends on which tier you select. A basic digital subscription covers online articles, video, and the mobile app. A print-plus-digital subscription adds the physical magazine to your mailbox. Some subscriptions bundle SI with other publications or offer discounts when you pay for multiple years upfront.

Sports Illustrated does not offer a free tier with ads. Every subscription option requires payment, though the cost per month or year varies based on the plan length and whether you choose print, digital, or both.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital-only subscriptions cost less than print-plus-digital plans, and annual payments are cheaper per month than month-to-month billing.
  • Print magazines arrive on a schedule that depends on your subscription type — weekly, biweekly, or monthly — and delivery takes the standard postal timeframe for your area.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time, though refunds for unused portions depend on the terms of your specific plan.
  • SI.com content is also available through some bundled services that include other sports and news outlets, which may cost less than a standalone SI subscription.

Subscription tiers and pricing

Sports Illustrated offers several subscription paths. A digital-only subscription covers SI.com, the mobile app, and video content. A print subscription includes the physical magazine mailed to your address. A combined print-and-digital subscription gives you both the magazine and full online access.

Pricing varies by plan length. Month-to-month billing costs more per month than an annual subscription paid upfront. Some promotions offer discounted rates for the first few months, then revert to the standard price for renewal. The exact current prices change periodically, so you should check SI.com directly for the rates available when you are ready to subscribe.

Sports Illustrated occasionally bundles its subscription with other publications or offers it as part of a larger media package. These bundled options may have different pricing and cancellation terms than a standalone SI subscription.

How to start and manage your subscription

To start a subscription, go to SI.com and select the plan you want. You will enter your payment information and billing address. If you choose print delivery, provide the mailing address where you want the magazine sent — this does not have to be the same as your billing address.

After you subscribe, you can manage your account through the SI.com website or mobile app. You can update your payment method, change your mailing address, pause your subscription temporarily, or cancel at any time. Most changes take effect within a few business days.

If you subscribe through a third-party service — such as a bundled media package or a newsstand app — you manage the subscription through that service instead, and cancellation or changes follow their process rather than SI.com's.

Print delivery timing and what to expect

Print magazines arrive by standard mail, so delivery time depends on your location. Most subscribers receive their magazine within 7 to 14 days of the issue date. The frequency of issues — weekly, biweekly, or monthly — depends on which subscription plan you chose.

If a magazine does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact Sports Illustrated's customer service with your subscription number and the issue date. They can investigate whether the magazine was lost in transit or resend it. Keep your subscription number handy; you will find it on your account page or on the mailing label of any magazine you receive.

Address changes take effect on the next issue mailed after you update your account. If you are moving, update your address at least two weeks before the next issue ships to avoid delivery delays.

Cancellation and refunds

You can cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings on SI.com or by contacting customer service. Cancellation takes effect immediately, though you will receive any issues already in the mail.

Refunds for unused portions of your subscription depend on your plan. If you paid for an annual subscription and cancel partway through, Sports Illustrated may refund the unused months, but the refund policy varies. Check the terms when you subscribe, or ask customer service what refund you can expect before you cancel.

If you cancel a month-to-month subscription, you will not be charged again after the current billing cycle ends. If you cancel an annual subscription, the refund process can take several weeks to appear in your account.

Troubleshooting common subscription issues

If you are not receiving your magazine, first check that your mailing address is correct in your account. If the address is right but issues are still missing, contact customer service with your subscription number and the dates of the missing issues. They can confirm whether the magazines were mailed and investigate delivery problems with the postal service.

If you are having trouble logging into SI.com or the mobile app, try resetting your password through the login page. If you still cannot access your account, customer service can help you regain access or confirm that your subscription is active.

If you were charged twice or see an unexpected charge, contact customer service immediately with your payment confirmation or bank statement showing the charge. They can review your billing history and process a refund if an error occurred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling?

Yes. Most subscriptions can be paused for a set period — typically one to three months — through your account settings. When the pause ends, your subscription resumes automatically and billing restarts. Pausing is useful if you are traveling or temporarily unable to receive mail.

What happens if I move during my subscription?

Update your mailing address in your account settings as soon as you know your new address. The change takes effect on the next issue mailed. If you move internationally, check whether SI ships to your new country; some subscriptions are limited to U.S. addresses only.

Can I gift a Sports Illustrated subscription to someone else?

Yes. SI offers gift subscriptions that you can purchase and send to another person. The recipient receives a notification with instructions to activate the subscription. Gift subscriptions typically come with a set length — three months, one year, or longer — and the recipient can renew or cancel when that period ends.

Is there a student or military discount?

Sports Illustrated occasionally runs promotions for specific groups, but these offers change. Check SI.com directly or contact customer service to ask whether a discount is available for your situation.

Can I read SI on my tablet or e-reader?

The SI mobile app works on tablets and smartphones. The app includes all digital content, video, and photo galleries. E-readers like Kindle do not have a dedicated SI app, but you can read SI.com through the device's web browser if it has internet access.