The District Standard launched Tuesday as a new subscription sports site covering Washington sports. Marc Bluestein and Bram Weinstein started it after The Washington Post cut its sports desk.
What We Know: Bluestein, CEO of Aquarius Sports & Entertainment, and Weinstein, the Commanders’ radio voice, teamed up to launch the site after the Post shut down its sports desk in February. It covers pro, college and prep sports through articles, podcasts and video. Moreover, every major local team receives its own beat reporter. Among them are including JP Finlay on the Commanders, Sammi Silber on the Capitals and Bijan Todd on the Wizards. Subscriptions cost $7.99 monthly or $100 annually. Likewise, The site isn’t the only newcomer since the Post’s shift. News of the United States recently rebranded as The Washington Sun, which covers local news, politics and sports.
What They Said: “We really thought if we did this proof of concept well with what’s happening in the sports marketplace and the sports newspaper marketplace in particular, we could really scale this concept.” –Marc Bluestein
“Independent, unfiltered, and local. We are committed to providing comprehensive, credible, and engaging coverage throughout the region with a simple guiding principle. All sports, all local.”-Bram Weinstein
What Remains Unclear: The District Standard hasn’t said how much money went into its launch or whether outside investors are involved. Additionally, the outlet hasn’t explained how it will balance subscription revenue with advertising and sponsorships over the long term.
What It Means: The launch tests whether D.C. readers will pay for local sports coverage after the Post’s cuts. Moreover, Bluestein called the site a proof of concept. Early results could decide whether the “Standard” brand expands to other cities. It also hopes to raise funds in the low seven figures, and investors will likely watch its first numbers closely. If the model works, the site could fill the gap the Post left. Giving local high school and college teams steady coverage. Additionally, local teams and advertisers have a potential new way to reach engaged fans. Ultimately, fans will judge the site on one thing: whether it delivers consistent, original reporting.
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