• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 18, 2025

ESPN’s Future Takes Center Stage A Week After Major Layoffs

  • The sports media world is wondering what the network will look like moving foward.
  • Exits from longtime personalities like Jeff Van Gundy have shocked many.
Gabriella Ricciardi / ESPN Images

One week since ESPN’s drastic layoffs of prominent on-air talent, sports media is still wondering why certain names got the ax — and what the network will look like moving forward.

Steve Young, Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber, Max Kellerman, and Todd McShay are among the most well-known personalities to have departed ESPN as part of last week’s cuts.

The exit of Van Gundy — who called games on ESPN’s lead NBA team alongside Mark Jackson and Mike Breen — has been particularly puzzling. Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, who appears on ESPN’s “First Take,” speculated on his SiriusXM radio show that NBA commissioner Adam Silver told ESPN to fire Van Gundy over his criticism of NBA referees.

That theory echoes a sentiment from Bill Simmons, who was also surprised by Van Gundy’s departure. On his podcast on The Ringer this week, Simmons reiterated his previous report that late NBA commissioner David Stern stopped ESPN from putting Stan Van Gundy on its “NBA Countdown” in 2012 because he “didn’t want two Van Gundys” at the network.

New-Look Network

The conspiracies are a symptom of the confusion ESPN’s moves have generated, as well as the uncertainty over its future.

With high-profile spots for NFL and NBA coverage now up for grabs, FOS took a look at how Doris Burke and Mina Kimes could see elevated roles and evaluated the prospect of Shannon Sharpe coming on board.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Netflix Beats Projections Again—and Plots Big Holiday Sports Slate

The streaming giant again beats analyst projections in every respect.

Cleveland’s WNBA Team Follows Golden State’s Proven Blueprint

The franchise will play its first WNBA season in 2028.

Barstool-Fox Deal Shows NFL’s Portnoy Cold War Is Thawing

The Barstool-Fox alliance is a signal of how times have changed.

Featured Today

Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen
July 16, 2025

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.

ESPN Bidding Against NBC, Apple for MLB Rights Package

The league continues to negotiate with multiple media-rights bidders.
July 15, 2025

MLB Home Run Derby Draws 5.7M Viewers on ESPN, Up 5%

ESPN reverses the trend from last year and registers audience growth.
Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; National League designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a home run in the swing off of after the 2025 MLB All Star Game ended in a tie at Truist Park.
July 16, 2025

MLB All-Star Game Viewership Dips Despite Historic Swing-Off

Game viewership falls 3% despite late dramatics in the unique tiebreaker.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 15, 2025

WNBA Hits Fourth-Highest ABC Viewership With Clark-Bueckers Duel

Clark missed the first Fever vs. Wings game with an injury.
Brittney Griner and Caitlin Clark
exclusive
July 15, 2025

‘Good Morning America’ Will Air From WNBA All-Star in First

The All-Star Game’s relevance has exploded with the league in recent years.
NBC Sports
exclusive
July 14, 2025

NBC Hiring Ex-Hawks Exec Grant Liffmann As NBA Front Office Insider

Liffmann spent the last three years with Atlanta after covering the Warriors.
F1
July 11, 2025

F1 ‘Poised’ to Choose Apple Money Over ESPN Reach

Formula One looks to be changing lanes.