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As ESPN continues to slump in the evolving world of television and streaming, multiple sources are reporting that the network has laid off around 20 high-profile, on-air personalities in an effort to cut costs.
The sports network behemoth, which is owned by Disney, has suffered a well-publicized decline in ratings and popularity in recent years, as many customers have jumped to streaming as the cable TV model continues to decline.
In this article, we'll discuss some of the popular and well-known on-air personalities that have been let go as part of this round of ESPN layoffs. Some of the network's most popular hosts and analysts were surprisingly handed their walking papers.
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Who Has Been Laid Off By ESPN?
Many well-known ESPN personalities have been laid off by the sports network in a large cost-cutting measure. Multiple sources are reporting that around 20 high-profile, on-air talents have been let go in the Disney-owned network's latest round of layoffs.
ESPN announced a massive wave of cost-cutting layoffs Friday — including some of the network's biggest names.
Here's a round-up of today's cuts:https://t.co/Phn80rUmCu
— OutKick (@Outkick) June 30, 2023
Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, and Jay Williams
The trio of Kellerman, Johnson, and Williams were the hosts of ESPN's recently canceled morning radio show. Many felt that the show's cancellation was an ominous sign of things to come, and unfortunately, all three of the personalities have now been let go by ESPN according to New York Post reporter Andrew Marchand. Kellerman reportedly earns around $5 million annually, while Johnson is just one year into a five-year deal believed to be worth around $18 million. Williams' ESPN contract was set to expire later this summer and reportedly will not be renewed.
NEWS: ESPN has let go Max Kellerman and Keyshawn Johnson, The Post has learned.https://t.co/VkxbmHlrU6
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) June 30, 2023
Jeff Van Gundy and Jalen Rose
Perhaps one of the most shocking names to be announced in this round of ESPN layoffs is Jeff Van Gundy. Van Gundy has been with ESPN for 16 years and served as the network's lead NBA analyst. The 61-year-old former NBA head coach was part of the popular in-game announcing crew that included Mike Breen and Mark Jackson.
In addition to Van Gundy, the New York Post's Andrew Marchand reports that ESPN will also be parting ways with longtime NBA Countdown presence Jalen Rose. A former NBA player, Rose has been part of NBA broadcasts on both ABC and ESPN for over a decade.
It begins: ESPN has laid off Jeff Van Gundy and Jalen Rose with more expected to come throughout the day. https://t.co/dcnjO9uucy
— OutKick (@Outkick) June 30, 2023
Suzy Kolber, Steve Young, and Matt Hasselback
The cost-cutting at ESPN spread to NFL on-air personalities as well, as long-time ESPN stalwarts Suzy Kolber, Steve Young, and Matt Hasselback were among those impacted by the layoffs.
The popular Kolber is considered a pioneer among female broadcasters and has been with the company for 27 years, most recently serving as the host for the network's popular Monday Night Football program.
Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off.
Heartbreaking-but 27 years at ESPN was a good run.
So grateful for a 38 yr career!
Longevity for a woman in this business is something I’m especially proud of.
Next step- a project that gives back. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/URitozP0LQ
— Suzy Kolber (@SuzyKolber) June 30, 2023
Young is also a layoff casualty from ESPN's Monday Night Football crew. The Hall of Fame NFL quarterback has been with the network for 22 years.
Hasselbeck, also a retired NFL quarterback, joined ESPN in 2016 and has worked in several capacities as an NFL analyst, most recently as part of the network's NFL Countdown show on Sundays.
Todd McShay
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay was also part of the network's layoffs per Marchand. McShay has been at ESPN since 2006 and was a highly-respected presence and popular personality as part of ESPN's NFL Draft coverage.
NFL Draft expert Todd McShay has been let go by ESPN, The Post has learned.
Updated full story.https://t.co/CnOzvQbBKm
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) June 30, 2023
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