Disney Cuts Ties with ESPN Veterans, Jeff Van Gundy and Suzy Kolber


Disney's Layoff of ESPN Veterans including Jeff Van Gundy and Suzy Kolber

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Approximately 20 ESPN commentators and reporters, including Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber, Jalen Rose, and Steve Young, were laid off by Disney-owned network, ESPN. The layoffs were part of the company's effort to prevent further reduction of off-air staff following mandated job cuts. The move aligns with Disney CEO Bob Iger's announcement to reduce 7,000 jobs through layoffs or not filling positions. The layoffs of Van Gundy and Rose were first reported by the New York Post. Van Gundy had been ESPN's top NBA analyst since 2007 and Kolber was a long-serving veteran who co-hosted a nightly show since ESPN2's debut in 1993 and hosted "Monday Night Countdown." ESPN's NFL coverage and radio side were particularly impacted, with notable layoffs including longtime draft analyst Todd McShay, analyst Matt Hasselbeck, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Jason Fitz, and others. Most individuals affected will receive buyouts of their contracts, allowing them to negotiate new arrangements if they choose to pursue other opportunities. ESPN is expected to continue assessing its talent pool as contracts are reviewed or renewed in the coming year, with NBA rights negotiations set to start next year.

In a Nutshell


ESPN has made significant cuts as part of an effort to prevent further reduction of staff.

While these layoffs may come as a surprise, most individuals affected will receive buyouts of their contracts, allowing them to explore new opportunities if they choose to do so. ESPN is expected to continue evaluating its talent pool as contracts are reviewed or renewed in the coming year. NBA rights negotiations are also set to begin next year, which adds an additional layer of importance to the talent assessment process.

With the departure of veteran analysts and hosts like Van Gundy and Kolber, ESPN will undoubtedly need to fill these roles with fresh faces and maintain the quality and diversity of its coverage. The network's viewership and fans will be keeping a close eye on how ESPN moves forward in the wake of these significant changes. As ESPN evolves, it will be crucial for the network to strike a balance between managing costs and retaining the talented individuals who contribute to its success.

Only time will tell how these layoffs will impact ESPN's future, but it is clear that the network faces a challenging road ahead in redefining its on-air talent roster.


Originally Published at: https://fortune.com/2023/07/01/disney-espn-layoffs-jeff-van-gundy-jalen-rose-suzy-kolber/
Business Topic: Business