Exciting Update: Mark Jackson Joins the List of ESPN Layoffs: The recent wave of layoffs at ESPN has claimed another victim – longtime NBA announcer Mark Jackson. Just a month ago, his broadcast partner and former coach, Jeff Van Gundy, was also let go by the network. The speculation surrounding Jackson’s fate has finally come to an end today. Previously, on June 30: On the same day ESPN provided extended coverage of NBA Free Agency, around 20 of the network’s top on-air talent received the news that they would be moving on as well. Check out the list below to see who’s departing.
According to a source familiar with the situation, these cutbacks are not related to the recent Disney layoffs. The source also mentioned that those affected by the cuts, who have contracts beyond June 30, will be compensated accordingly. Parting ways with these individuals will allow ESPN to avoid wider layoffs.
Here is the list of those reported to be departing, some of whom were previously announced:
Jeff Van Gundy,
Jalen Rose,
Keyshawn Johnson,
Max Kellerman,
Suzy Kolber,
Chris Chelios,
Matt Hasselbeck,
Steve Young,
Rob Ninkovich,
Neil Everett,
Ashley Brewer,
Joon Lee,
LaPhonso Ellis,
Todd McShay,
Jordan Cornette,
Jason Fitz,
David Pollack.
Below are some tweets from the on-air talent announcing their departures.
ESPN issued the following statement regarding the layoffs: “Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun. This exercise will include a small group of job cuts in the short-term and an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead. 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.”
For a more in-depth analysis of these personnel changes, check out this piece from FilmmakerFocus’s Dade Hayes.
Dade Hayes contributed to this report.
