All the huge names cut by ESPN in ruthless overhaul by Disney
ESPN layoffs continue to reshape sports media with Disney's 2023 cost-cutting plans, as personalities like Zach Lowe, RGIII, Sam Ponder, and Todd McShay join the growing list of dismissed stars
ESPN has endured several layoffs since Disney’s takeover, but the past few years have truly reshaped the network from top to bottom. Between cost-cutting, Pat McAfee streaming pivots, and an evolving media landscape, several household names in sports commentary have packed up their analyst desks, and not by choice.
The most recent and public wave of cuts came in 2024 when esteemed NBA analyst Zach Lowe was let go last September. Two months prior, the mega sports brand parted ways with ESPN Monday Night Football Countdown's Robert Griffin III and reporter Samantha Ponder, continuing a trickle-down of fan favorites let go by the company. The network then replaced RGIII with retired Eagles champion Jason Kelce, who earned his own digital show on the platform.
In 2023, ESPN saw one of its biggest rounds of layoffs, with over 20 top personalities leaving the company in a single day. That included longtime NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy, NFL voices Suzy Kolber and Steve Young, and sports radio fixture Max Kellerman, who has been inactive across all major social media platforms since.
Todd McShay, one of the most recognized names during NFL Draft season, was also shown the door. He has since joined Bill Simmons at The Ringer to start his podcast, "The McShay Show," which notably kicked off with an NFL Scouting Combine live show.
Despite the cuts, ESPN has maintained one of its most prominent forces in Stephen A. Smith after he signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension in March. The brand also re-signed SportsCenter anchor Matt Barrie in the same timeframe, retaining talent cultivated with the brand since 2013.
"I'm happy and honored to remain a member of the Disney/ESPN family for, at least, the next five years," said Smith after earning the deal. But fans of the network online remained skeptical that Smith's big payday could initiate a new round of TV personality cuts.
From a cost perspective, it all ties back to Disney's 2023 announcement by CEO Bob Iger to cut 7,000 jobs globally, with ESPN absorbing a large share. After initially sharing how the 2020 pandemic impacted business, the company continues its plans to cut $7.5 billion from Disney's overall expenses.
ESPN released a statement following its June 2023 cost cuts, saying, "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."
Big names cut by ESPN since Disney's 2023 announcement
- Andre Ward, Boxing analyst
- Ashley Brewer, SportsCenter anchor
- Chris Chelios, NFL analyst
- David Pollack, College football analyst
- Doug Kezirian, betting analyst
- Gene Wojciechowski, college
- Jalen Rose, NBA analyst
- Jason Fitz, radio host
- Jeff Van Gundy, NBA broadcaster
- Joon Lee, staff writer
- Jordan Cornette, college basketball analyst
- Keyshawn Johnson, NFL analyst
- LaPhonso Ellis, college basketball analyst
- Mark Jackson, NBA broadcaster
- Matt Hasselbeck, NFL analyst
- Max Kellerman, Ex-"First Take" co-host
- Neil Everett, SportsCenter anchor
- Nick Fridell, NBA reporter
- Robert Griffin III, NFL analyst
- Rob Ninkovich, NFL analyst
- Sam Ponder, NFL host
- Steve Young, NFL analyst
- Suzy Kolber, NFL host
- Todd McShay, NFL Draft analyst
- Zach Lowe, NBA analyst