ESPN Layoffs 2023: List Of On Air Stars Those Were Laid Off

20 of the network’s top on-air talent learned they would be moving on the same day ESPN carried special extended coverage of player comings and goings during NBA Free Agency.

According to someone with knowledge of the cuts, they are unrelated to the recent multi-round Disney layoffs. Numerous employees affected by the latest cuts, according to the source, have contracts that go through June 30 and will be paid out in accordance with those agreements; nonetheless, parting ways will allow ESPN to avoid larger layoffs.

The following statement was made by ESPN on the layoffs:

“Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun,” ESPN said in a statement. “This exercise will include a small group of job cuts in the short-term and an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead. This is an extremely challenging process, involving individuals who have had tremendous impact on our company. These difficult decisions, based more on overall efficiency than merit, will help us meet our financial targets and ensure future growth.

Full list of ESPN layoffs

  1. Jeff Van Gundy (commentator)
  2. Jalen Rose (analyst)
  3. Max Kellerman (analyst)
  4. Keyshawn Johnson (analyst)
  5. Todd McShay (commentator)
  6. Matt Hasselbeck (analyst)
  7. Ashley Brewer (anchor)
  8. Suzy Kolber (anchor)
  9. Steve Young (analyst)
  10. LaPhonso Ellis (analyst)
  11. Jason Fitz (radio host)
  12. Joon Lee (writer)
  13. Jordan Cornette (analyst)
  14. David Pollack (analyst)
  15. Nick Friedell (reporter)

Johnson is on the second year of a five-year contract for about $18 million, while Kellerman earns somewhere about $5 million annually.

Williams’ contract expires at the conclusion of the summer. It’s probable that Williams will step in to take Ellis’ spot.

Johnson got a significant salary just a year ago, while Van Gundy is regarded as one of the greatest NBA TV game analysts in history.

The top athletes that ESPN is currently backing are Shannon Sharpe, McAfee, and Stephen A. Smith.

Although the network’s current focus is on quality rather than quantity, its constant practice of releasing talent gives the impression that nobody is secure.

Smith, 55, is the most popular TV personality on ESPN and recently started a YouTube channel, a sign of keeping up with the times.

Disney has separated ESPN into its own subsidiary, allowing it to report its own results for the first time in November. Despite cord cutting, these earnings are reportedly still rather outstanding.

 

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