How to Cancel The Athletic — Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
⏰ 2 minutesmediumVerified 2026-05-22$9.99/mo
The Athletic (owned by the New York Times) can be canceled online through your account settings. Unlike NYT proper, The Athletic doesn't require phone calls.
Go to your Athletic account
Visit theathletic.com/account and sign in. Navigate to your subscription details.
Click "Cancel Subscription"
Find the cancellation option in your account settings and click it. The Athletic will show your access end date.
Decline any retention offers
They may offer a discounted rate. Click through if you want to fully cancel.
The Athletic frequently offers $1-2/month comeback deals. If you can wait, cancel and take the offer when it arrives by email.
Need the exact words to say if they try to keep you?
Confirm your choice. Access continues until the end of your billing period.
⚠️ Watch out
If subscribed through Apple App Store or Google Play, cancel through their subscription settings.
If you got The Athletic through a NY Times bundle, you may need to manage it through NYT account settings.
Your saved articles and preferences are preserved if you re-subscribe.
✓ Refund may be possible
Contact The Athletic support for refund requests. Annual plans may be eligible for prorated refunds within a reasonable timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Athletic free with NY Times subscription?
Some NYT All Access plans include The Athletic. Check your NYT account benefits before paying for a separate Athletic subscription.
Can I get a refund from The Athletic?
Contact The Athletic support for refund requests. They may offer prorated refunds for annual plans. Apple/Google subscriptions must go through those platforms.
What happens after I cancel The Athletic?
You lose access to all articles and podcasts when your billing period ends. No free tier is available.
Free: refund window, cancel path, support angle, next moves, download, and optional account save. Upgrade only if you want the exact scripts and dispute checklist.