Upcoming ESPN Layoffs Could Include NBA Reporters and Staffers

ESPN is bracing for a large round of layoffs, per Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, and those involved with the network’s NBA coverage could be impacted, sources told Hoops Wire.

Disney is expected to slash 7,000 jobs and $5.5 billion in costs in the coming weeks, McCarthy reported. Disney is the parent company for ESPN and ABC, the latter of which broadcasts the NBA Finals.

Broadcast insiders told Hoops Wire they expect at least several employees whose jobs are to provide coverage of the league to be impacted.

Noted ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith mentioned the looming layoffs during his K[no]w Mercy podcast, as relayed by McCarthy.

“Have you all been paying attention to the business landscape? Disney itself announced that over 7,000 employees are going to be let go,” Smith said. “ESPN is under the Disney umbrella. They’re going to have cuts coming. 

“Hell, for all I know, I might be one of them. Now, I doubt that. But it’s possible. No one knows.”

ESPN declined comment when reached by Hoops Wire. The layoffs could take place over the next few weeks, per McCarthy.