Collisions of the sports and style worlds have made for some explosive moments. Who can forget Kobe Bryant’s infamous “white hot” photo shoot last year in LA Times magazine (and all the jokes that ensued) or the controversy Vogue stirred up when they placed a screaming LeBron James beside Gisele Bündchen on their April 2008 cover? ESPN the Magazine is hoping to cash in on the action with their first-ever fashion-centered issue, called the Style Report.

Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose covers the inaugural effort—available on newsstands now—and the pages are filled with sports style history, plus features and shoots that show athletes' personal style off the court and field, among other news. Steven Binder, VP publishing director, said this is only the beginning of the magazine's expansion into the new territory.

“This is something our readers want to know about. They want to see what athletes are wearing on and off the field,” Binder explained to FishBowlNY.  “We’re not looking to become a fashion magazine at all, but this is the beginning of an increase in our coverage ... It's going to be done organically."

The magazine plans to incorporate four to six pages dedicated to style in future issues, and they've even added a new player to the team, hiring their first fashion director, Samantha Rubin.

Do you think ESPN the Magazine’s  attempts to go fashion-forward will be a win? 

(Photo: ESPN)