Saturday September 30, 2023

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
Front Office Sports Today

Donovan McNabb and the State of Football

From Taylor Swift to the Prime Effect, there's a lot going on in the world of football.
Listen Now
September 29, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

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
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

College football is taking over Saturday night.

How College Football’s Biggest Games Took Over Saturday Night

Network competition and West Coast storylines helped college football stage a coup.

ESPN, Tiger-Rory Golf League Close To Long-Term Deal

New entity backed by Woods, McIlroy nears critical agreement
Toy Story

‘Toy Story’ Success Could Lead to More Disney-Branded NFL Kid-Casts

A successful ‘Toy Story’ game could open the door for other franchises.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Donovan McNabb and the State of Football

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

Baltimore Looks To Return To The Oriole Way

Baltimore’s baseball renaissance this season will significantly impact a franchise, league, and…
September 29, 2023

Ryder Cup’s Future Hanging In The Balance Amid Saudi Disruption

An unexpected change could be coming to the Ryder Cup.
September 29, 2023

Colorado Has Become the Hollywood of College Football. This Weekend Proves It.

Folsom Field will welcome dozens of Hollywood stars on Saturday.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on field after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 29, 2023

Taylor Swift Shaking Up Travis Kelce, Chiefs Prop Betting Market

Sportsbooks are capitalizing with Taylor Swift-themed prop bets.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations
Jamie Erdahl and cast of NFL Network's "Good Morning Football."

Jamie Erdahl Reflects On Rapid Transition To Hosting ‘Good Morning Football'

Erdahl talked to FOS about her experience since taking over the morning show from longtime host Kay Adams in July 2022.
Taylor Swift at Chiefs vs. Bears game.
September 27, 2023

Taylor Swift NFL Hype Likely To Continue Another Week

Swift could drive blockbuster TV ratings for NBC's "Sunday Night Football."
Franchise expands broadcasting reach after reaching a deal with a local TV station.
September 27, 2023

Utah Jazz Launch Streaming Service Amid RSN Shakeup

An annual Jazz+ streaming pass will cost $125.50.
September 27, 2023

Will Sports Benefit From New Streaming Alliance?

Advocacy group involves many of sports streaming's largest players
Coach Prime bringing improved tv ratings.
September 26, 2023

Coach Prime's Colorado Changing College Football Viewing Habits

The excitement around Deion Sanders and Colorado is helping drive record September TV ratings for college football.
Chiefs-Bears was the most-watched NFL game on any network this week — averaging 24.3 million viewers on FOX.
September 26, 2023

CBS Nets 13-Year High in September NFL Viewership

This month’s NFL on CBS broadcasts averaged 18.69 million viewers.
Viewership for TNF on Amazon is up 21% through two weeks over last season.
September 26, 2023

Amazon Gets Back-to-Back 'Thursday Night Football' Ratings Wins

Amazon's TNF viewership is up 21% through two weeks over last season.
First Take vs. FS1
September 26, 2023

Sharpe: 'First Take' Would Still Beat 'Undisputed' Without Stephen A.

Even if Smith leaves, Sharpe said he will still beat Skip Bayless in the ratings.