Wednesday, September 2, 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

Ex-Warriors Employees Claim Retaliation, Discrimination in Suit

The Warriors called the allegations “false” and “misleading.”
Aug 3, 2026; Washington, D.C., USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) kisses the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after her match against Jessica Pegula (USA) (not pictured) in the women's singles final of the 2026 Mubadala DC Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

How Alex Eala Turned the Philippines Into a Tennis Nation

A December homecoming match could break tennis’s attendance record.
Oct 23, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Chicago Bulls logo against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Exclusive

Bulls Planning Analyst Rotation to Replace Late Stacey King

Robbie Hummel is among the names under consideration.
Exclusive

Union Head: NBA Players Have ‘Serious Problem’ With NBA Europe

Kelly also said the union is “no fan” of the second apron.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/2/26 – Kroenke Buys Angels, LSU-SEC Court Showdown, Cubs’ TikTok Rom-Com

0:00

Featured Today

Deshaun Watson Has Done the Impossible: Unite Browns Fans

Watson was named the starter after complaining boos were “personal.”
August 23, 2026

Dan Snyder ‘Invisible’ in NFL Three Years After Commanders Sale

Snyder has had little to no contact with former NFL associates.
Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Burnley - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - May 18, 2026 Arsenal's Kai Havertz scores their first goal past Burnley's Max Weiss
August 21, 2026

Why the Premier League’s Star-Power Shortage Doesn’t Matter

The world’s richest soccer league doesn’t rely on big stars to dominate.
August 12, 2026

Trendy Golf Hat Divide Is More Than a Fashion Fight

As golf has gotten trendier, so has the sport’s style.
Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes
August 6, 2026

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”

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

Kerri Walsh Jennings’s Playbook for the Future of Volleyball

The former gold medalist talks NCAA, the Olympics, & investing in volleyball.
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.