Squash Player, the sport’s longest running magazine, has been sold to the Professional Squash Association.
The magazine celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021 and has been under the editorship of Ian McKenzie since the late 1980s.
The sale is another acquisition by Squash Media & Marketing (SMM), the PSA’s commercial arm which has seen significant investment of late by billionaire Mark Walter.
But the PSA said that it would retain the magazine’s independence — despite a governing body now in charge of the only recognised print publication left in the sport.
Tommy Berden, of the PSA, told SM: “Squash Player magazine has played an important role in squash’s media landscape for the past five decades.
“While SMM will take over the running of the publication moving forwards, we think it is important that Squash Player retains the objectivity that has made it a must-read magazine for squash fans. Squash Player will continue to shine a light on both the positive and negative stories in the sport.
“Ian and his team of highly-regarded writers have done a fantastic job developing the magazine and we look forward to building on the good work they have done.”
The magazine has been a print first model and previously had tie ups with the World Squash Federation. McKenzie is expected to still contribute an article per issue under the new owners, while the PSA will overhaul the magazine’s archaic digital offering.
McKenzie, a Kiwi, said: “It has been a great privilege to work with such respected writers, contributors and photographers. I am indebted to many of them for their guidance, support, and loyalty. Personally, I have enjoyed being able to interview the best players of each era and present their stories in the sport’s main publication.
“In that time, Squash Player has become the associate magazine of the World Squash Federation and enjoyed a positive relationship with the Professional Squash Association, giving the publication a global profile. Many sponsors have supported the magazine, which I am grateful for, but I would particularly like to mention the unswerving long-term loyalty of quality brands Dunlop and Ashaway.
“SMM is a brilliant creation and I feel they are well placed to now take Squash Player to another level and serve this great sport even better. I wish them every success and will be supporting their endeavours.”