ESPN and NFL Network Brace for New Layoffs

It looks like ESPN is gearing up for yet another round of layoffs. The news, first reported by The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, says the cuts will affect both ESPN’s Bristol hub and the NFL Network crew that was merged into the parent company this spring.

Among the first names confirmed is former NFL defensive back Ryan Clark. Clark, who began his ESPN career by running the telestrator on Scott Van Pelt’s late‑night SportsCenter, has since become a familiar face on NFL Live, First Take, Get Up, and even Monday Night Countdown. Now, his contract is set to end.

The layoffs aren’t limited to a single on‑air personality. Sources say a handful of Bristol‑based on‑camera figures will be let go, while a larger, less visible group of NFL Network employees—both in front of and behind the camera—will also feel the axe.

Why now? The timing ties back to Disney’s broader restructuring after it took a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN as part of the NFL Network acquisition earlier this year. That deal gave ESPN operational control of the network and RedZone, but it also swelled the Bristol workforce with a whole second staff. By June, Front Office Sports reported roughly 30 off‑camera positions had already been eliminated, a move linked to comments from Disney’s incoming CEO Josh D’Amaro about “eliminating roles.”

Some NFL Network personalities, like Ian Rapoport, have already negotiated new deals with Disney, but the upcoming cuts suggest the integration is still far from smooth. As Tuesday approaches, industry watchers are waiting to see just how deep the reductions go, especially on the NFL Network side.

For now, the names beyond Ryan Clark remain under wraps, but the pattern is clear: Disney is tightening its belt, and the ripple effects are being felt across the sports‑broadcasting landscape.