ESPN could look much different by the next time you turn on the network or look for an article from your favorite writer.
Due to changes in the sports media industry and cord cutting among cable subscribers, reports have surfaced in recent months surrounding an eventual scale back in Bristol, Conn.
The latest? Those cut backs could happen today, with even more jobs lost than originally thought.
Both John Ourand of Sports Business Journal and Richard Dietsch of Sports Illustrated weighed in on the number of jobs that could be lost, which is now in the triple digits.
ESPN layoffs are happening today. Around 100 will lose their jobs. Story filed for SBD Morning Buzz at 9am.
— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) April 26, 2017
ESPN UPDATE: I have multiple sources at ESPN telling me they expect the number of layoffs to be closer to 100 people than 70. Awful news.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) April 26, 2017
ESPN Tennessee Titans writer Paul Kuharsky tweeted that his contract won’t be renewed past July, making him one of the cuts.
Knew cuts were coming. Sad to say nine great years at ESPN end for me in July. Please stay tuned to @Midday180.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) April 24, 2017
Long-time NFL reporter Ed Werder announced that he’s been let go by the network after decades of work.
After 17 years reporting on #NFL, I’ve been informed that I’m being laid off by ESPN effective immediately. I have no plans to retire
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) April 26, 2017
The list of the unemployed continues to grow:
After 13 years of sticks and pucks can share that as of today my tenure at ESPN is at a close. I look forward to the next adventure.
— Scott Burnside (@OvertimeScottB) April 26, 2017
Well folks, as you can tell by my new Twitter handle, I was also among the cuts today at ESPN.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 26, 2017
Want to thank https://t.co/r6GdLhHkPg for 9 fun years. Absolutely loved the gig. And very much look forward to continuing my work at TSN/RDS
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 26, 2017
Add me to the list. Just got the ‘call.’ I’ve been informed my contract will not be renewed at ESPN.
— Dana O’Neil (@ESPNDanaOneil) April 26, 2017
After nearly eight years of covering the NHL, MLB and the NFL at ESPN, it’s time for the next chapter in my career.
— Joe McDonald (@ESPNJoeyMac) April 26, 2017
I was treated great by #ESPN during my 3 years. Time to find out what’s next. Will miss all the great people I worked with! #ToTheNextStep pic.twitter.com/ZIBHFvFZeJ
— Brendan Fitzgerald (@BrendanFitzESPN) April 26, 2017
Today’s gonna suck for a lot of people at ESPN. It doesn’t seem like too much to ask to remember that those people are in fact people.
— Mike L. Goodman (@TheM_L_G) April 26, 2017
And hey, it turns out one of those people is me. Loved my time at ESPN, and now it’s time to figure out what’s next.
— Mike L. Goodman (@TheM_L_G) April 26, 2017
I’ve been informed that I’m no longer employed at ESPN. Greatly enjoyed covering the B1G, and will immediately try to find a new challenge!
— Austin Ward (@AWardESPN) April 26, 2017
Like other colleagues, I’ve been informed I am no longer working for ESPN. This is a crummy day, but I’ll never stop pursuing my passion.
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) April 26, 2017
I feel blessed & privileged to have worked @ESPN and most importantly work w/ so many great people.Thank you. I look forward to what’s next
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenMLB) April 26, 2017
Well, I’m a free agent. I learned a lot in eight years with ESPN and benefitted from being around a lot of smart people
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) April 26, 2017
After 5 great years, I’ve been laid off by ESPN. It was a tremendous opportunity & I enjoyed working w/a lot of really, really good people
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) April 26, 2017
Bad news morning. I loved every bit of my eight years at ESPN and will miss it, and so many friends and colleagues there, profoundly.
— Eamonn Brennan (@eamonnbrennan) April 26, 2017
It’s ironic ESPN laid me off the same day as my first partner on the cowboys @Edwerderespn. I haven’t been a FA in forever. This shud be fun
— Jean-Jacques Taylor (@JJT_ESPNDallas) April 26, 2017
Six years ago, made most difficult decision ever made leaving @Rivals to come to @ESPN. Even after being laid off today, I don’t regret it.
— Jeremy Crabtree (@jeremycrabtree) April 26, 2017
After 5 incredible years, I was laid off today by ESPN. I met & worked w/ some great people & I am very grateful to ESPN for the opportunity
— Derek Tyson (@DerekTysonESPN) April 26, 2017
I just found out I’m among the layoffs at ESPN today. Enjoyed my eight years there immensely. Looking forward to what’s next.
— Johnette Howard (@JohnetteHoward) April 26, 2017
Landed in Madrid. Turned on phone 1st time all vacation. Got texts asking if job was safe. Found out it was not. Enjoyed my 4 years, ESPN.
— C.L. Brown (@clbrownespn) April 26, 2017
Poured my heart and soul into ESPN for last 8 years. Moved my wife and 3 kids to CT to go “all in” 5 years ago. Bummed it ended in 3 minutes
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 26, 2017
After 8 incredible years, I’ve been laid off by @espn. If @FOXSports wants to scoop me up and pay me money without looking into it so be it.
— Dan Sharfin (@VoiceOverDan) April 26, 2017
I got laid off by ESPN today after an amazing 5+ years. I’ve been unbelievably fortunate. Better days ahead.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) April 26, 2017
Rough day. Just learned I will no longer be covering the Dodgers. Enjoyed my 7 years at ESPN. On to the next chapter.
— Doug Padilla (@DougPadilla) April 26, 2017
Like far too many other ESPN colleagues today, I’ve been laid off. Enjoyed nine great years here. Thanks for reading and following along.
— Brian Bennett (@BennettESPN) April 26, 2017
Super Bowls, The Trifecta and stories like the one up now are the moments I’ll take with me into free agency starting tomorrow.
— Jane McManus (@janesports) April 26, 2017
Some personal news pic.twitter.com/jLvoHel3Iv
— David Ching (@ESPNChing) April 26, 2017
For 17 yrs I’ve had a dream job covering baseball for ESPN. Today is my last day. Thanks to all the great people at ESPN, MLB & all of you!
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) April 26, 2017
Laid off by ESPN today.Although sad cause I loved my job, mostly filled w/gratitude & appreciation for the 9 years #GreatFriendsAndTeammates
— Trent Dilfer (@TDESPN) April 26, 2017
It’s my birthday! And also the day to learn that my side gig @ESPN has come to an end. Great experience. So many classy people to thank.
— Jarrett Bell (@JarrettBell) April 26, 2017
Started at ESPN in 2008, but my tenure ended today. Worked w/ some great folks who are now friends. Onward to new challenges.
— Ted Miller (@TedMillerRK) April 26, 2017
After 14 wonderful years my time at espn is over. From Cold Pizza to First Take to SC I made more friends than I can name. Forever grateful! pic.twitter.com/WNkUGuXeVl
— Jay Crawford (@jaycrawfordespn) April 26, 2017
I had a great 6+ years at ESPN, but it’s over. I will badly miss all the talented folks there, many of whom I call dear friends. #Onward
— Ashley Fox (@AshleyFoxESPN) April 26, 2017
So, I am no longer with ESPN, as of today. I want to thank all the great people I’ve worked with and, of course, the readers + listeners
— Ethan Strauss (@SherwoodStrauss) April 26, 2017
After seven great years at ESPN I’ve been let go. Much respect to all the people.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) April 26, 2017
Sorry to get the call from ESPN this a.m., but grateful for my eight years there and trying to positively look ahead.
— Melissa Isaacson (@mkisaacson) April 26, 2017
Gee, I feel like I am now part of an exclusive club. #ESPNLayoff. For 21 yrs. I tried to represent the best in college hoops. Adios Bristol!
— Len Elmore (@LenElmore) April 26, 2017
No longer at ESPN. Thank you to everyone who read and supported me throughout my 9 years there. Means more than you can know.
— Justin Verrier (@JustinVerrier) April 26, 2017
Today was my last day on air at ESPN Radio. On to the next…I’ll let everyone know what that is when I do. pic.twitter.com/1wTnGfRVcW
— Robin Lundberg (@robinlundberg) April 26, 2017
Like many others, I got the call today from ESPN that today would be my last with them. A few parting words: https://t.co/pBfnewUHIG
— Chantel Jennings (@ChantelJennings) April 26, 2017
Just found out ESPN is not renewing my contract for next fb season. Learned a lot and had a lot of fun! Grateful to ESPN for the opportunity
— Rufus Peabody (@RufusPeabody) April 26, 2017
I was only at ESPN for 4 years, but they were some of the best of my career. Thanks to all of the fans and to my entire SportsCenterAM crew. pic.twitter.com/gxKuUh13ck
— Jaymee Sire (@jaymee) April 26, 2017
Grateful for all the opportunities I had in my 4+ years at ESPN. Many great people lost their jobs today. But many other greats remain.
— Chris Hassel (@Hassel_Chris) April 26, 2017
Time to go. Thanks to ESPN for allowing me to be their legal analyst for 13 years. Made great friends and have wonderful memories.
— Roger Cossack (@RogerCossack) April 26, 2017
My time with ESPN comes to a close today as I join the sidelines with so many other talented… https://t.co/8wV4O1H3G2
— Dottie Pepper (@Dottie_Pepper) April 26, 2017
Growing up, working for ESPN was the dream. Today was my last day after 5+ years, but I feel blessed to have gotten this opportunity.
— Greg Ostendorf (@GregO_ESPN) April 26, 2017
ESPN gave me the light and it’s time to leave stage. Sincere gratitude to those who were so kind and supportive. Sorry for the mess I made. pic.twitter.com/jr5jJpZHOe
— Reese Waters (@reesewaters) April 26, 2017
What a fast but wonderful ride. 2 yrs flew by @espn. Thx for the opportunities & wonderful friendships. I’ll miss it. On to the next one. pic.twitter.com/BKA8HanDpV
— Marysol Castro (@marysolcastro) April 26, 2017
Somewhere sports bettors cheer and somewhere dirty cops get payoffs
but there’s no joy in ViewFromVegas Nation — I’m among the ESPN layoffs— Dave Tuley (@ViewFromVegas) April 26, 2017
Got the call. Moving on from @espn. Grateful for 21 yrs w/great people, building rep of @OTLonESPN. It’s time, w/@AspenInstSports growing.
— Tom Farrey (@TomFarrey) April 26, 2017
So blessed! 30yrs as host,pxp,reporter in NASCAR,indycar, CFB,& CBB. Many drivers,owners,crew,coaches & fans, lifetime friends. Thank u ESPN
— Dr Jerry Lee Punch (@DocPunchESPN) April 26, 2017
Proud of my time at ESPN-Proud of the great ppl there & those like me w a future elsewhere-Proud to soon be mom of 3 w a bright career ahead pic.twitter.com/ABhgJQkQ9f
— Jade McCarthy (@JadeMcCarthy) April 26, 2017
What an amazing ride at ESPN!! God has blessed me with more than I could ever imagine. [?] [?] pic.twitter.com/lv2goTgwVG
— Darren M. Haynes (@DarrenMHaynes) April 26, 2017
Sources*: ESPN has ended David Hirshey’s run as ESPNFC soccer writer. Add him to your running lists. (*Source is David Hirshey.)
— Will Leitch (@williamfleitch) April 26, 2017
When I was 5 years old my teacher told me I’d work at ESPN one day. I did. Today that dream ended. Thankful for the time I had. More to come
— Josh Parcell (@JoshParcell) April 26, 2017
According to Awful Announcing, ESPN president John Skipper issued a statement on Tuesday foreshadowing the moves.
Phil Simms staying at CBS
In recent years, big names such as Colin Cowherd, Skip Bayless and Mike Tirico have left ESPN–with money likely serving as a major reason why.
Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
