• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 6, 2025
exclusive
Media

Doug Kezirian, Andre Ward Are Out At ESPN

  • Contracts of sports betting insider and boxing commentator not being renewed.
  • Their departure is separate from 20 talents laid off on Friday.
ESPN
ESPN

More big names are leaving ESPN as the sports network tries to slash talent expenses.

The contract of sports betting insider Doug Kezirian won’t be renewed, sources told Front Office Sports. Boxing analyst Andre Ward also announced his departure from the network on Twitter. 

Kezirian joined ESPN in 2012 and hosted the “Daily Wager” show from 2019 to 2022. 

Ward, the two-time world champion boxer and former Olympic gold medalist, announced his departure on social media. 

“Tonight’s show was the last fight under my ESPN contract,” Ward tweeted. “It’s been a great ride and I’m going to miss the whole ESPN crew that I’ve worked with for the last six years. I’m excited about my future and the chance to work on new projects and endeavors. Great things are ahead.”

ESPN layoffs continue.

Bad Day In Bristol: ESPN Axing 20 On-Air Talents

Long time NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy has been swept out in…
June 30, 2023

Kezirian and Ward join a growing group of personalities whose contracts are not being renewed as ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro tries to save the jobs of behind-the-scenes workers by focusing on on-air talent contracts. 

Front Office Sports previously broke the news that the contracts of NBA analyst Vince Carter, “SportsCenter” anchor Neil Everett, NFL analyst Rob Ninkovich and NHL analyst Chris Chelios would not be renewed.

Their exits are technically separate from the 20 laid-off talents who were officially done at ESPN effective Friday. 

That list included big names ranging from NBA game analyst Jeff Van Gundy and Steve Young and Suzy Kolber of “Monday Night Countdown” to NFL analyst Keyshawn Johnson, TV/radio host Max Kellerman and NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay.

ESPN’s new separate exercise to closely examine long-term contracts could take up to a year, said sources. The network is individually informing talents they won’t be renewed as they approach the expiration of their contracts. 

ESPN declined to comment.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

ESPN Ends Its Wild-Card Coverage With Historic TV Ratings

Wild-card viewership surges 64% to a record in the current format.
Ballers in Philadelphia
exclusive

Backer of SlamBall, Ballers Armed With $150M for New Fund

The fund will offer sports and entertainment companies deals that don’t involve equity.
Cody Campbell

Fox, ABC Reject Ad Accusing Power Conference Commissioners of Greed

Cody Campbell said the ads were pulled after he paid for them.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.

Mark Sanchez Charged With New Felony in Indianapolis Case

The broadcaster and ex-NFL quarterback faces up to six years in prison.
The NBC Sports broadcast team works Michigan State's football game against Boston College on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
October 2, 2025

NBC Sports, Peacock Stay on YouTube TV With Long-Term Deal

The broad-based agreement keeps NBC channels with the key distributor.
Sep 27, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Josh McCray (2) runs against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green (41) and defensive back Keon Sabb (3) in the second half at Sanford Stadium.
exclusive
October 2, 2025

College Football Viewership Is Up Double Digits. Here’s Why

Average game viewership is up by more than 10% so far.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) throws the ball during the first half of a NCAA college football game against Alabama in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
October 1, 2025

Alabama-Georgia Draws 10.4M Viewers, Drives Record CFB Season Pace

ABC drew 10.4 million viewers for Alabama-Georgia.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) pulls down a touchdown reception against Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, November 13, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
September 24, 2025

Packers-Cowboys Game Is Getting Super Bowl–Like NBC Treatment

The network will bring its pregame show to Dallas.
Sep 18, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) reacts as the Fever defeat the Atlanta Dream during game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gateway Center Arena at College Park.
September 19, 2025

Fever Upset of Dream Brings Ratings Boost to WNBA Semis

The Indiana Fever will face the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.
September 17, 2025

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.