The Athletic has never been profitable over their 4 years of existence.  Bottom barrel rates aren't going to save that.
 
	From USA today:
 
	" the cost for salaries and benefits alone is about $32 million per year, and that doesn’t include “office, support, tech, sales, travel, and a zillion other costs of doing business.”  The Athletic is not profitable, and that diminishes their value for future investors"