07/21/26 11:43:00
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07/21 11:42 CDT ESPN starts layoffs tied to NFL Network acquisition, memo says
ESPN starts layoffs tied to NFL Network acquisition, memo says
By JOE REEDY
AP Sports Writer
ESPN is undergoing a significant round of layoffs for the first time in three
years after taking over NFL Network in April.
Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a memo to employees Tuesday morning, obtained by
The Associated Press, that most moves are the result of ESPN's acquisition of
NFL Network and other league digital assets last year.
The deal was announced last August and also included NFL Fantasy and the rights
to distribute the RedZone channel to cable and satellite operators. In return,
the NFL got a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
It was approved by government regulators in January. NFL Network employees
became part of ESPN on April 1.
"Over the past several months, we've made significant progress integrating the
NFL assets that we acquired into ESPN," Pitaro wrote in the memo. "Throughout
this process, we have taken the time to carefully evaluate our collective
teams, resources and organizational structure to best position us for the
future. As a result, we had to make some difficult decisions about job impacts
that we will be communicating today.
"While most of the job impacts are tied to the acquisition, we will also notify
colleagues in other parts of the company today that their positions have been
impacted. We are committed to treating employees with compassion and respect
and to providing support as they navigate this transition."
While most of the layoffs affect production and behind-the-scenes personnel,
some on-air talent were affected. Ryan Clark, who joined ESPN in 2015 as an NFL
analyst, learned of his layoff while on "NFL Live" on Monday. A person familiar
with the situation said Clark was originally going to be told Tuesday morning
before reports leaked about the decision.
Clark was told by company executives rather than hear about it elsewhere. He
did not finish his appearance on the show.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not at liberty to
discuss personnel decisions.
Clark took to social media on Tuesday to address the layoffs. He also shared a
video of himself working out.
"Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN. So many of you
have poured your life into that company, & I know how you're feeling right
now," Clark wrote on X. "My hope is as this door closes another opens for you
all. God bless!"
Other notable names include Karl Ravech, who had been with ESPN since 1993 and
had been an integral part of its baseball coverage. Ravech was the voice of
"Sunday Night Baseball" from 2022-25 before the package moved to NBC this
season. He did call Monday night's game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and
Philadelphia Phillies.
Tom Pelissero, who had been with NFL Network since 2017, is also part of the
cuts. ESPN had recently signed NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter to
extensions.
The ESPN cutbacks are also part of other reductions that are taking place
throughout the Walt Disney Company this week.
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AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
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