Derek Jeter is teaming up with Legendary Entertainment to build a new platform for sports stars to connect with fans directly, instead of talking through sports journalists or social media.
The former Yankee, who ended his 20-season career on Sunday, announced The Players Tribune on Wednesday. Although the website is not fully operational yet, he says the ultimate goal will be changing “how athletes and newsmakers share information.”
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“I’m not a robot. Neither are the other athletes who at times might seem unapproachable. We all have emotions. We just need to be sure our thoughts will come across the way we intend,” Jeter wrote in a message to visitors. “So I’m in the process of building a place where athletes have the tools they need to share what they really think and feel. We want to have a way to connect directly with our fans, with no filter.”
Jeter will serve as the site’s founding publisher, and hired former ESPN publishing editorial director Gary Hoenig, who will work in the same role for The Players Tribune. Legendary Entertainment will finance the operation, and provide creative support.
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“I am working with other athletes, with editors and with producers to create a platform that gives us a chance to say what’s on our minds,” Jeter’s message continues. “Over the next few months, we’ll be introducing a strong core of athlete editors and contributors who will shape the site into an online community filled with first-person stories and behind-the-scenes content.”
The Players Tribune will reveal more information about the new media platform on Thursday.