Sunday Club Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 18
Ira Blossom brought the good old printed newspaper back. But instead of news, it is filled with challenging puzzles, games and comics.
Ira Blossom appeared on Shark Tank Season 18 Episode 4 with a solution to provide a detox from digital screens by diving into the nostalgic world of newspaper games and puzzles.
The founder wanted to create a curiosity-provoking newspaper that would include comics, classic puzzles, and activities designed for individuals and groups.
Could Ira convince the Sharks to deliver newspapers to more households?
About Sunday Club
| Category | Details |
| Business Name | Sunday Club |
| Founder | Ira Blossom |
| Product | Print-only puzzle newspaper featuring puzzles and comics |
| Industry | Publishing/Entertainment |
| Sales (Pre-Shark Tank) | Approximately $800,000 |
| Investment Asked | $150,000 for 5% equity |
| Deal Status | Deal secured with Kendra Scott |
| Deal Outcome | $150,000 for 20% equity |
| Initial Valuation | $3,000,000 |
| Post-Deal Valuation | $750,000 |
Founder’s Backstory
Ira Blossom is a tech professional who has worked at companies such as Google.
He came up with the idea during a ski trip in 2022 after noticing his friends gathering around an iPad to solve crossword puzzles together.
This experience inspired him to create a physical newspaper that could recreate the shared experience of solving puzzles without relying on digital devices.
Product Overview
Sunday Club is a monthly newspaper issue that features challenging games like Sudoku, crosswords, interesting activities and comics.
It is differentiated from traditional newspapers as it doesn’t feature news, just educational activities that encourage critical thinking and social collaboration.
The newspaper offers quarterly and yearly subscriptions and is delivered directly to the subscriber’s mailbox. Additionally, the company opened its first newsstand in New York City in May 2026.
Sunday Club Shark Tank Pitch
Ira Blossom came to Shark Tank seeking $150,000 for 5% equity. He presented the idea of rekindling nostalgic habits through an aesthetically designed newspaper that features puzzles and games.
The Sharks were intrigued by the unique idea of the newspaper, but a bit taken aback after hearing the retail price of $10 per unit.
Mindy Kaling, along with Lori Greiner, was curious to know if Gen Z is the target market.
Ira replied that although the newspaper was beginning to gain traction among younger consumers, it also had a strong millennial customer base, especially women.
The founder shared that the company had 5,200 active subscribers and aimed to boost the number through tie-ups with educational institutions.
Kevin O’Leary was reminded of his investment in Lovepop, another brand that found a niche in a declining market.
Ira shared that he is strong in Meta advertising and has started exploring TikTok ads. A single issue costs him $1.84 to make and is sold for $10, including shipping costs of $1.99.
What Makes Sunday Club Unique?
Sunday Club is an aesthetic newspaper designed to take people off the screens and encourage social interaction.
- Digital detox: The newspaper aims to encourage critical thinking through unique activities such as Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and comics to keep people engaged.
- News-free: Sunday Club doesn’t feature news to make it more fun and grounded for people who just want to have a good, relaxing time solving their favorite puzzles and comics.
Did Sunday Club Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Despite an attractive product, the Sharks were lukewarm about the financial scope of bringing back the newspapers.
But everything changed when Ira mentioned the Sunday Club kids’ program that is designed for kids aged three to nine years.
Ira said the program could nearly double the company’s subscriber base, which reeled in the Sharks.
Kevin O’Leary thought this would be the next Lovepop in the newspaper space, and offered $150,000 for 20% equity.
Mindy Kaling shared she found the newspaper stylish, but was not a newspaper reader herself.
Kendra Scott was intrigued by the kids’ program as she thought it would make a perfect addition to her charitable initiatives. It involved partnership with over 50 pediatric hospitals, where children could be provided with this newspaper. She matched Kevin’s offer of $150,000 for 20% equity.
Ira tried to negotiate down to 15% equity, but Kendra explained that her value as a Shark, along with the company’s financials, didn’t leave room for negotiation.
Inspired by Kendra’s philanthropic use case for the newspaper, Ira accepted Kendra’s deal of $150,000 for 20% equity.
Sunday Club Shark Tank Update
After the Shark Tank appearance, Sunday Club has expanded into seasonal collections to offer more variety.
The company also sells newspaper-related accessories and apparel on the website. But there’s no official commentary from the company about the rise in sales and other financial or social metrics post-Shark Tank episode.
Where Can You Buy It?
You can buy Sunday Club products directly from their official website. They are also available on Amazon.
For updates and the company’s expansion plans, follow them on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.
Quick Summary
- Sunday Club entered Shark Tank with a news-free publication designed to spark critical thinking through intriguing activities, puzzles and comics.
- The founder, Ira Blossom, came in seeking $150,000 for 5% equity.
- The company accepted Kendra Scott’s offer of $150,000 in exchange for 20% equity.
