Bristol, New York, and Los Angeles operations impacted by ESPN layoffs

By Liam Tremblay — 21 July 2026 — 3 min read

Layoffs Follow NFL Network Acquisition

ESPN has initiated a significant round of layoffs, affecting both on-air talent and behind-the-scenes personnel. These cuts are the first in three years for the network and largely stem from its acquisition of NFL Network. The deal, which was announced last August and received government approval in January, saw NFL Network employees become part of ESPN on April 1.

The acquisition also included NFL Fantasy and rights to distribute the RedZone channel to cable and satellite operators. In return, the NFL received a 10% equity stake in ESPN. The integration process has involved evaluating collective teams, resources, and organizational structures across ESPN‘s bases in Bristol and New York, and NFL Network‘s Los Angeles operation.

In an internal memo issued on Tuesday, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro stated that while most job impacts are tied to the acquisition, colleagues in other parts of the company would also be notified of affected positions. He emphasized the network’s commitment to treating employees with compassion and respect during this transition.

Prominent On-Air Talent Affected

Among the notable on-air personalities impacted by the layoffs is Karl Ravech, who has been a prominent voice at ESPN for over three decades. Ravech, 61, joined the network in 1993 and served as the lead play-by-play announcer for Major League Baseball coverage, hosted “Baseball Tonight,” and called college basketball games. He also had a long tenure as a “SportsCenter” anchor. Ravech called Monday’s Phillies-Dodgers game in Philadelphia shortly before the news of the layoffs.

Tom Pelissero, a staple on NFL Network since 2017, was also part of the cuts. His departure follows ESPN‘s recent extensions with NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter. Other significant names include former NFL MVP Cam Newton, who had been a debate partner on “First Take,” and Ryan Clark, an NFL analyst who joined ESPN in 2015.

Clark learned of his dismissal while on “NFL Live” on Monday and did not finish his appearance on the show. Sources indicated that ESPN had planned to inform Clark on Tuesday but adjusted the timing after media inquiries on Monday. Clark later shared his thoughts on social media, expressing prayers and love for all those affected.

Longtime “SportsCenter” stalwart David Lloyd, who had been with ESPN since 1997, and injury expert Stephania Bell, with nearly 20 years at the network, were also among those let go. Bell was recognized for carving out a niche as an injury expert, a role she embraced before it became mainstream. Charles Davis, a long-time draft analyst for NFL Network, also suffered the same fate, though he remains at CBS where he was elevated to the number one college football analyst for Big Ten afternoon games.

Former All-Pro linebacker and talk show host Bart Scott, boxing, MMA, and wrestling reporter Andreas Hale, and staff writer Dan Hajducky also announced their departures. Newton had signed a new multiyear deal last August to continue appearing on “First Take,” and had been elevated to replace Shannon Sharpe as Stephen A. Smith‘s primary Monday co-host during football season.

Broader Context of Company Reductions

These layoffs at ESPN are part of broader reductions occurring across The Walt Disney Company this week. ESPN has experienced several rounds of layoffs since 2015, marking a shift from its previous perception as a stable workplace seemingly immune to media industry cuts.

Despite the changes, ESPN continues to hold a strong portfolio of events, including the upcoming Super Bowl in February, the NBA Finals, and the College Football Playoff. The network remains a top platform in sports, even as its internal landscape undergoes significant restructuring following the NFL Network acquisition.

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro‘s memo on Tuesday confirmed that while most job impacts are tied to the acquisition, other parts of the company would also see positions affected.

Source: nytimes.com