ESPN Layoffs Include Van Gundy, Kolber, Rose, and Young

ESPN has laid off around 20 on-air commentators and reporters, including Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber, Jalen Rose, and Steve Young. The layoffs come as part of a cost-saving exercise at the network, following two rounds of mandated cuts by parent company Walt Disney. ESPN is expected to continue assessing its talent pool over the next year as contracts are reviewed or negotiated for renewal.

In a recent round of job cuts, approximately 20 ESPN commentators and reporters, including Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber, Jalen Rose, and Steve Young, were laid off. This move comes as part of a broader effort by the network to prevent further reductions to off-air staff after two previous rounds of mandated cuts by its corporate owner, the Walt Disney Company. The layoffs were announced by Disney CEO Bob Iger in February as part of a plan to reduce 7,000 jobs through not filling positions or layoffs. ESPN stated that the job cuts were necessary to achieve cost savings and ensure future growth. The layoffs mirror a similar event in April 2017 when reporters and hosts were informed that they would no longer be on the air. ESPN is expected to continue assessing its talent pool over the next year as contracts are reviewed or negotiated for renewal.