The day is far from over, but it’s already been one of the darkest days for ESPN. The “Worldwide Leader in Sports,” started announcing widespread layoffs in the morning with the number of cuts expected to reach at least 100 by day’s end.
News went viral as #ESPNLayoffs quickly started trending on social media. And there was no shortage of big names either.
.@espn ESPN Layoffs are brought to you by… pic.twitter.com/4Zfu4RLzm7
— Andy Dufresne (@theunzippedfly) April 26, 2017
Former NFL players Trent Dilfer and Danny Kanell were let go as well as former MLB general manager Jim Bowden and longtime NFL reporter Ed Werder. College football lost Brett McMurphy, Ted Miller, Brian Bennett, Max Olson and Chantel Jennings. College basketball won’t be the same either with Andy Katz, Dana O’Neil and Eamonn Brennan now gone. On-Air talent was lost too with SportsCenter anchors Jaymee Sire, Chris Hassel, and Jay Crawford all announcing that they were let go.
So how did this happen?
ESPN has spent billions of dollars for the rights to show college and professional sports. But at the same time, its subscriber base has continued to shrink. In just the past five years alone, the “Worldwide Leader in Sports” has lost over 10 million subscribers as many cut the cord for other streaming services.
Here’s the reaction from some of the most notable names in the business who were notified today of the heartbreaking news.
An update on my situation: pic.twitter.com/ktnoLHDTZH
— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) April 27, 2017
Staying on the NFL Draft as my last assignment. Grateful for 3 years at ESPN. My colleagues became best friends & I'll cherish that the most pic.twitter.com/YHZeutahTS
— Britt McHenry (@BrittMcHenry) April 27, 2017
Poured my heart and soul into ESPN for last 8 years. Moved my wife and 3 kids to CT to go "all in" 5 years ago. Bummed it ended in 3 minutes
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 26, 2017
But totally get it. All part of a business that is rapidly changing. Thankful for the opportunity I was given and people I got to work with!
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 26, 2017
After 17 years reporting on #NFL, I've been informed that I'm being laid off by ESPN effective immediately. I have no plans to retire
— Ed Werder (@EdwerderRFA) April 26, 2017
While surprised and disappointed, I was fortunate to have worked @espn with so many devoted, talented journalists. I will always be grateful
— Ed Werder (@EdwerderRFA) April 26, 2017
After 5 great years, I’ve been laid off by ESPN. It was a tremendous opportunity & I enjoyed working w/a lot of really, really good people
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) April 26, 2017
Laid off by ESPN today.Although sad cause I loved my job, mostly filled w/gratitude & appreciation for the 9 years #GreatFriendsAndTeammates
— Trent Dilfer (@DilfersDime) April 26, 2017
I was only at ESPN for 4 years, but they were some of the best of my career. Thanks to all of the fans and to my entire SportsCenterAM crew. pic.twitter.com/gxKuUh13ck
— Jaymee Sire (@jaymee) April 26, 2017
After 14 wonderful years my time at espn is over. From Cold Pizza to First Take to SC I made more friends than I can name. Forever grateful! pic.twitter.com/WNkUGuXeVl
— Jay Crawford (@JaycrawfordCLE) April 26, 2017
Add me to the list. Just got the 'call.' I've been informed my contract will not be renewed at ESPN.
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) April 26, 2017
Bad news morning. I loved every bit of my eight years at ESPN and will miss it, and so many friends and colleagues there, profoundly.
— Eamonn Brennan (@eamonnbrennan) April 26, 2017
