Thursday, July 16, 2026

Amazon Cuts 18K Jobs with Big Sports Decisions Looming

  • Amazon is investing heavily in sports as it cuts back in other areas.
  • The company will lay off more than 18,000 employees in devices, retail, and recruiting.
Amazon
CLIFFORD OTO/ USA TODAY NETWORK

As Amazon looks to grow its sports presence, it’s cutting back in other areas.

The e-commerce and technology giant is laying off more than 18,000 employees as it adjusts to uncertain economic times, CEO Andy Jassy said in a letter to the company’s employees.

  • The reduction will be concentrated among corporate workers, representing around 5% of that group and 1.2% of Amazon’s 1.5 million total workforce.
  • Amazon said in November it would trim around 10,000 jobs, mostly in devices, recruiting, and physical stores — cuts included in the 18,000 total.
  • With a small dip to start the new year, Amazon’s stock is down 49% over the past 12 months. It has lost around $1 trillion in market cap since its July 2021 peak. 
Los Angeles Rams player Van Jefferson talks to reporter on sideline

Amazon Reportedly Plans to Launch Sports App

The app would host live sporting events currently streamed through Prime Video.
December 28, 2022

Sports Spending

Despite the layoffs, Amazon shows no signs of slowing its growth in sports.

Its priciest sports property is its $1 billion-per-year deal for “Thursday Night Football,” but it also recently inked a three-year pact for Overtime Elite, adding to deals with the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, among others.

The company is also a potential contender for NBA media rights after losing out on “NFL Sunday Ticket” to Google’s YouTube TV.

Amazon is reportedly working on a dedicated sports app.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mark Cuban Gearing Up for Lawsuit Over New Mavs Arena

Cuban seeks to prove Patrick Dumont unlawfully cut him out of opportunities.
Jerry Colangelo sits courtside as the GCU Lopes play the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Mortgage Matchup Center on Dec. 6, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.
First at FOS

Las Vegas Jacks Have Been in the Works for Over a Year

The group paid $2,200 in fees to apply for the two trademarks.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/16/26 – World Cup Final Set, Kawhi Probe, FanDuel VIP Scandal Deepens

0:00

Featured Today

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.

Caleb Williams’s Investment Playbook: ‘No Vices’

The Bears QB has put money into sports, tech, and wellness start-ups.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium
February 21, 2026

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Reggie Bush speaks on unionizing college football players during the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the University Club of Pasadena in Pasadena, Calif. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.
March 5, 2026

Former NFL Pros Launch PE Firm for Emerging Leagues

Terrence C. Murphy and Reggie Bush are targeting $150 million for their debut fund.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Pro Team Valuations Are Set to Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
December 27, 2025

‘Why Not the Dodgers?’: How Billie Jean King Became an LA Owner

“Getting involved with the Dodgers literally changed our lives,” Ilana Kloss says.
December 23, 2025

Ben Simmons Buys a Sport Fishing Team

“I think I can really help this league grow,” Simmons told FOS.
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp mascot Scampi waves to fans during Opening Day baseball against the Gwinnett Stripers on March 29, 2024.
December 17, 2025

Private Equity Dives Further Into Minor League Baseball

Seven MiLB teams have changed hands in the last week.