ESPN has begun a major round of layoffs, with most of the cuts tied to the network’s acquisition of NFL Network and NFL RedZone, according to the internal memo from chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
The layoffs are announced six months after Disney finalized a deal with the NFL to acquire NFL Network distribution rights in exchange for giving the league a 10% stake in ESPN.
The transaction has an estimated fair value of $3 billion.
As per Business Insiderthe internal memo states: “Over the past several months, we have made significant progress in integrating the NFL assets we acquired into ESPN. Throughout the process, we have taken time to carefully evaluate our collective teams, resources and organizational structure to best position ourselves for the future.”
Although the total number of employees has not been confirmed, 10 on-air talents will definitely lose their jobs. They include:
- Ryan Clark (NFA Analyst)
- Karl Ravech (MLB play-by-play announcer/host)
- Tom Pelissero (NFL Network insider)
- Cam Newton (First Take Contributor)
- David Lloyd (SportsCenter anchor)
- Stephania Bell (Injury and Fantasy Football Analyst)
- Charles Davis (NFL Network analyst)
- Bart Scoff (radio host and NFA analyst)
But before that, Newton left ESPN after joining the company in 2024. This was after controversies where he spoke about the value of women and hosted Jason Whitlock on his show.
It is noted that ESPN last implemented a layoff program in April, when Disney also implemented layoffs within the organization. It will be in February 2027 when ESPN airs its first ever Super Bowl.
In his memo, Pitaro emphasized, “Even in moments like these, the strength of ESPN comes from our people, our teamwork and our shared mission to serve sports fans.”
