ESPN has announced another round of layoffs, continuing a trend that has become increasingly common as the network adjusts to the changing sports media landscape.
In a memo sent to employees, ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro said the cuts came after the company evaluated its business operations following its recent agreement with the NFL. As part of that deal, the NFL acquired a 10% ownership stake in ESPN, while the network assumed control of NFL Network and several of the league’s other media assets. The restructuring led to what Pitaro described as “difficult decisions” across multiple departments.
Among the biggest names leaving the company is Ryan Clark, whose departure became public while he was appearing live on NFL Live Monday.
The layoffs also include longtime SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd, who joined ESPN in 1997 after beginning his career with ESPNEWS. Injury analyst Stephania Bell, who joined the network in 2008 and helped establish ESPN’s injury coverage, is also departing.
One of the most surprising moves was the release of First Take contributor Cam Newton. The former NFL MVP had signed a new multi-year contract with ESPN during the summer of 2025.
The changes also extend to NFL Network, where longtime analyst Charles Davis and reporter Tom Pelissero are among those leaving following the integration of the network into ESPN.
Veteran broadcaster Karl Ravech was also laid off after a 33-year career with ESPN. Ravech joined the company in 1993 and became one of the network’s most recognizable baseball voices, hosting Baseball Tonight and most recently serving as the play-by-play announcer for Sunday Night Baseball. He had called the Dodgers-Phillies game on Monday night before news of his departure.
Former NFL linebacker Bart Scott is also leaving ESPN after contributing as both a New York radio host and NFL studio analyst on the network’s daytime programming.
The latest layoffs come as ESPN continues to navigate the shift from traditional cable television to streaming, while managing rising costs for broadcast rights and on-air talent. Similar rounds of cuts in recent years have included notable personalities such as Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Robert Griffin III and Sam Ponder.
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