A new player in the world of online sports and culture destinations has entered the arena. TheShadowLeague.com, which officially launched today, aims to examine the intersection between sports, race and other forms of culture in order to spark conversation.
The site was launched by veteran content producer Keith Clinkscales with some support from sports and cable giant ESPN.
“We are creating an online community of thought leaders and tastemakers who understand that sports, pop culture and race are common threads that are intricately interwoven into many aspects of life,” said Clinkscales via a press release. “TheShadowLeague.com is a platform where a dialogue about these subjects and how they co-mingle with each other is fostered. We aim to delve into areas of culture and perception that are often overlooked, under-reported or simply dismissed.”
A quick glance at the site’s front page reveals that TSL is already on its away in stirring up controversy with a post titled “Catfishing: A Hustle We Can’t Believe In.” The subheading for the post reads “The Manti Te’o ordeal is a lesson on the benefits of living a sucker-free lifestyle.” Well, all right then.
Although TSL is independently owned by Clinkscales’ The Shadow League Digital group, ESPN also announced that it has a business relationship with the property. The cable sports network will provide funding and additional content support as TSL develops. Clinkscales is not a new jack at this; the former ESPN Senior Vice President of Content Development is most known for helping to launch VIBE magazine in 1993 alongside Quincy Jones and Time Warner and launched the late Vanguarde Media with Len Burnett.
Known names in the world of writing such as Nelson George, Harry Allen and Kevin Powell are listed as contributors to TSL. Vincent Thomas serves as the site’s editor-in-chief, with Khalid Salaam and James Carr rounding out the editorial management staff.
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Photo: The Shadow League
