Footballco saves Mundial and gets into print
Cult football quarterly Mundial Magazine has been saved following its acquisition by Footballco.
Footballco gets physical with Mundial Studio takeover
Mundial Studio, creators of the eponymous magazine as well as the footie-focused Giant podcast, now forms part of its suitor’s content and media business.
Disproving the ‘print is dead’ narrative, the magazine will be resurrected this June as part of a broader publishing strategy, servicing dedicated fans with long-form sports journalism.
The future of Mundial Magazine had appeared bleak when publication paused at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, but today’s deal means its future is secure, with a relaunch timed to coincide with the 2022 Women’s Euros.
Established in 2014, Mundial has expanded to operate a web store selling branded merchandise, as well as a range of associated books, clothing and gifts.
James Lamon, senior vice-president of content and creative at Footballco, commented: “In a world of digital content served in a feed then gone forever, Mundial offers an antidote: rich, long-form storytelling.
“As digital platforms such as TikTok and Instagram try to bridge into commerce and transact with scrolling users, we see physical goods as the logical final link in the chain.”
Owen Blackhurst, co-founder of Mundial, added: “By becoming part of Footballco we can now scale globally, invest in new formats and continue connecting fans with the football they love in ways that wouldn’t have been possible before.”
Under the terms of the acquisition, Mundial’s consultancy and agency services will merge with Footballco’s existing branded content studio.
Last year Footballco snapped up Italian site CalcioMercato.com to enhance its Euro 2020 presence.