• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Top ESPN Exec Norby Williamson Out After Almost Four Decades

  • Burke Magnus informed employees Friday of Williamson’s departure.
  • Pat McAfee recently called the exec a ‘rat’ for ‘attempting to sabotage’ his show.

After nearly 40 years, Norby Williamson is out at ESPN.

Williamson started at the network in 1985, working his way up from the mailroom to become one of the sports media giant’s most powerful executives. He’s held the title of executive editor and head of event and studio production since 2017. Williamson oversaw all football, baseball, NHL, UFC, boxing, tennis, and golf content, as well as SportsCenter, E60, ESPN Radio, features, investigations, and newsgathering.

Front Office Sports confirmed the news and obtained a copy of president of content Burke Magnus’s note to the company, which reads, in part:

“Through his steadfast commitment and attention to detail, Norby has had a lasting impact on the sports fans’ experience. We thank Norby for his many contributions to ESPN and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

In January, studio show host Pat McAfee publicly called out Williamson for “attempting to sabotage” his program, describing the exec as a “rat”. ESPN sources tell FOS the McAfee incident had nothing to do with Friday’s decision, which was solely Magnus’s.

The McAfee dustup wasn’t Williamson’s first at the network. He has had conflict in the past with studio hosts, including Stuart Scott (over his iconic “boo-yah” call)—but the McAfee exchange created a bigger stir than even the former punter anticipated, and Williamson also didn’t see eye-to-eye with Magnus, according to the New York Post, which first broke the news.

Magnus said in his memo that the company is starting a search to replace Williamson “as soon as possible.”

—Michael McCarthy contributed reporting for this story.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 13, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Oracle Park.

Dodgers Pitcher Clayton Kershaw Retiring After 18 Seasons

Kershaw is fourth all-time in career earnings for a pitcher.
exclusive

Stan Verrett Joining FanDuel Sports Network in Multiple Roles

The former ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor has found a new home.

ESPN Draws Highest ‘MNF’ Doubleheader Audience Since 2015

Buccaneers–Texans and Chargers–Raiders averaged 13.5 million viewers.
exclusive

Stephen A. Smith on MNF Role, Inside the NBA, Molly Qerim Departure

Smith told FOS he will work “at least” three games this season.

Featured Today

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.

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

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.
exclusive
September 16, 2025

ESPN, Fox One Added 1M Sign-Ups in First 10 Days After Launch

The two high-profile streaming services have strong starts with consumers.
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a reception defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 16, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Sets Early NFL TV Ratings Mark

Several new milestones are established with the big early-season matchup.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Greg Olsen
September 16, 2025

Greg Olsen on Tom Brady’s Raiders Role: ‘More Power to Him’

This season, the NFL has relaxed the special Brady broadcasting rules.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
September 15, 2025

WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence

Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.
September 15, 2025

Amazon Shatters Previous Ratings High for 1st NFL Game

“TNF” viewership surges 35% compared to the 2024 season average.
Las Vegas Aces
September 15, 2025

WNBA Playoffs Face ESPN Fall Crunch For Final Time

The games will be spread across three networks next year.