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(Trends Wide) — ESPN will lay off about 20 high-level sportscasters as part of a cost-cutting measure, a source with knowledge of the decision told Trends Wide.
Among those fired are Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose and LaPhonso Ellis, the source said. Suzy Kolber announced her dismissal on social networks.
The cuts in Disney’s global staff are part of a multi-billion dollar cost reduction plan that seeks to streamline the company’s operations. The company reported that operating profit grew 56%, to US$12,100, in 2022.
“Given the current context, ESPN has determined that it is necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of commentator salaries,” the outlet said in a statement.
The company did not comment on who it fired, but some of the chain’s former employees began announcing their departures on social media.
“Today I join the many committed colleagues who have been laid off. It breaks my heart, but 27 years at ESPN is a good career,” Kolber said on Twitter. “Longevity for a woman in this business is something I’m especially proud of.”
These commentators are under contract, the person familiar with the matter told Trends Wide. Everyone has the opportunity to explore other options despite their contracts, she added. Also, the source stressed that the cuts were simply a matter of cost reduction and were not related to job performance.
Disney, which owns ESPN, will lay off 7,000 employees. The source familiar with the plans said the ESPN layoffs were not related to Disney’s broader cuts.
