ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro sent a staff memo Tuesday explaining why the company is conducting a new round of layoffs — and where the cuts will come.
“Over the past several months, we’ve made significant progress integrating the NFL assets that we acquired into ESPN,” Pitaro wrote in the memo, which was obtained by Business Insider. “Throughout this process, we have taken the time to carefully evaluate our collective teams, resources and organizational structure to best position us for the future.”
Pitaro said that “most of the job impacts are tied to the acquisition” of the NFL Network, though there would be layoffs in “other parts of the company” as well.
An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment further on the cuts, including the scope.
ESPN acquired the NFL Network, the NFL’s fantasy football business, and the NFL RedZone highlights show from the league in late January. In exchange, the NFL took a 10% stake in the Disney-owned sports giant, giving the league influence with a key broadcast partner.
ESPN last conducted layoffs in mid-April as part of broader cuts at Disney, its parent company.
ESPN will broadcast its first-ever Super Bowl in February. Disney-owned ABC will simulcast the big game for the first time in over 20 years.
Read the full memo from Pitaro here:
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