ESPN Plans About 30 Layoffs, Mostly Behind the Scenes

Overview

• ESPN is preparing to cut about 30 jobs, with reports Tuesday pointing to off-camera roles as the focus.
• The move follows a 15-day YouTube TV blackout last November that Disney says cost roughly $100 million.
• Reporters say that revenue shortfall helped speed up the decision to reduce staff.
• Sources add the layoffs are separate from ESPN’s $3 billion purchase of NFL Media assets.
• The NFL and ESPN say league employees will begin joining ESPN in the months ahead, as the network continues periodic cuts tied to fewer pay‑TV homes and rising rights costs.