Wednesday, July 15, 2026

NBA Analyst Jalen Rose Among ESPN Layoffs

  • Rose, a former NBA player for 13 seasons, joined ESPN in 2007.
  • He’s been an analyst for ESPN shows “NBA Countdown,” “Get Up,” and co-hosted “Jalen & Jacoby.”
Rose, a former NBA player for 13 seasons, joined ESPN in 2007.
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Rose has been let go by ESPN, ending his 16-year run at the company since 2007.

Rose, an NBA player from 1994 to 2006, has been a studio host for “NBA Countdown,” the pregame show that aired before game telecasts on ESPN and ABC. He also co-hosted the Jalen & Jacoby talk show that ran from 2011 until November 2022, following David Jacoby’s departure from ESPN.

Other ESPN shows to feature Rose included “Get Up” and “SportsCenter,” as well as ESPN Radio programming. He played 13 seasons in the NBA for six teams— the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, and Phoenix Suns. 

Before the NBA, Rose played collegiately for the University of Michigan’s iconic “Fab Five” basketball team, which was the focus of ESPN’s documentary “The Fab Five” in 2011.

Recently for ESPN, Rose delivered passionate on-air comments about his past struggles and advice to Ja Morant following the suspended NBA star’s first gun-flashing video incident. Rose then hosted a 20-minute sit-down interview with Morant. 

“I am Ja Morant. You guys have had the chance to see me grow up from public consumption since 1991,” Rose said on ESPN in March. “I’ve been involved with drug raids, I’ve survived assassination attempts. I’ve been that undisciplined young person that was trying to figure out how to be famous, how to be successful, and how to change the dynamics of my family.”

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

Apr 16, 2026; Fort Worth, TX, USA; A view of the ESPN logo before the semifinals for the 2026 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics National Championships at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

ESPN Blames Human for Headline Error in AI Article

ESPN has been using AI to write certain game recaps since 2024.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; The ESPN logo at the Super Bowl LIX media center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Exclusive

ESPN Ending Syndicated Version of ‘Good Morning Football’

‘GMFB: Overtime’ first launched in 2024.
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Adam Schefter talks on a set before the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Washington Huskies at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Exclusive

Adam Schefter Nearing Long-Term ESPN Extension

The agreement would keep Schefter under contract into the 2030s.
Pillow Fight Championship

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/15/26 – England vs Argentina, Michigan Athletics Investigation Latest, MLB Labor War

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.
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.
June 26, 2026

What We Saw Traveling the U.S. for the World Cup Group Stage

The knockout stage begins Sunday.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA- JULY 13: during the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on July 13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Heather Barry / Netflix)
Opinion

Netflix Bounces Back With Home Run Derby Debut

After its panned coverage of Opening Night, Netflix focused on the field.
July 13, 2026

12 States Sue to Block Paramount’s $110B WBD Deal

The plaintiff states point to widespread prospective harms.
John Smoltz acknowledges the crowd during the introduction of returning inductees at the National Baseball Hall of Fame's 2024 induction ceremony Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, New York.
July 14, 2026

John Smoltz: MLB All-Star Game Is ‘Absolutely’ Still the Best

The Hall of Fame pitcher will call the Midsummer Classic for Fox.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
June 25, 2026; Inglewood, California, U.S.; Christian Pulisic of the U.S. during the warm up before the match. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
July 13, 2026

Christian Pulisic World Cup Fiasco a Cautionary Tale for Marketers

Commercials featuring Pulisic have been a reminder of his World Cup showing.
July 12, 2026

Netflix Revamps MLB Home Run Derby

The streaming giant will have arguably its biggest baseball presence to date.
Jan 7, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; PAC 12 sports broadcaster Jacob Tobey prior to the game between the Oregon State Beavers against the Colorado Buffaloes at CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Exclusive
July 9, 2026

Jacob Tobey Out as Spurs Announcer After Affair Allegation

Tobey had been calling Spurs games since 2024.
July 1, 2026; Santa Clara, California, U.S.; Christian Pulisic of the U.S. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
July 9, 2026

It’s Open Season on Christian Pulisic After USMNT World Cup Exit

Ex-U.S. soccer stars have been among Pulisic’s most prominent critics.