ESPN is reportedly set for another layoff period, having already fired some big names this month.
The network cut Robert Griffin III and Sam Ponder in a surprising swing of the axe, reshaping some of their shows with near-immediate effect.
A report from Mike McCarthy of Front Office Sports suggests that multiple higher-ups will be terminated this week as the company’s president of content, Burke Magnus, is set to announce some significant changes on Monday.
The Worldwide Leader in Sports is looking to promote several executives, including a senior one, to replace Norby Williams, but just as many people will be fired as a result.
Breaking from @FOS: ESPN is making cuts at the executive level (think VPs) as part of Burke Magnus-led shakeup. related: Norby successor expected to be named any day now, and the top two candidates are Mike McQuade and Jim Bell. @MMcCarthyREV has it all: https://t.co/JsAaGP8Gnd
— Daniel Roberts (@readDanwrite) August 23, 2024
“ESPN content czar Burke Magnus is poised to announce a sweeping reorganization that will include naming a senior executive to replace the departed Norby Williamson, as well as the elimination of at least five management positions,” McCarthy writes.
“At the same time, Magnus is poised to promote several executives, and create new positions with new responsibilities, to meet his vision for 2025 and beyond. Sources say the net impact could leave roughly the same number of content positions.”
Norby Williams’ ESPN Exit Was A Curious One
Williams was fired by ESPN earlier this year after spending nearly 40 years with the network. His exit came after Pat McAfee publicly called him out.
The former NFL star accused the former ESPN exec of trying to “sabotage” his show, but according to insider Richard Deitsch, his dismissal was unrelated.
As for RG3 and Ponder, their departures are understood to have resulted from financial decisions.
The network looked within for replacements, with Louis Riddick to fill in for the former and Mike Greenberg stepping in for the latter.
