The NFL Network has made multiple layoffs of on-air personalities in a complete change of structure for the network that is owned by the league. At least, for now.
The Athletic was the first to report this breaking news on Thursday, noting that the likes of Melissa Stark, Andrew Siciliano, James Palmer and Will Selva have been laid off.
These are some of the biggest names on the network. In particular, Siciliano was the host of the DirecTV’s iteration of the “RedZone.”
For his part, Palmer sent a note on social media indicating that he has in fact been laid off.
Fellow NFL Network personalities responded in kind. That included Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, neither of whom were impacted by the layoffs.
“As is normal course of business this time of year, we are evaluating our talent roster for the upcoming 2024 season and beyond. That process results in renewals, non-renewals and additions to our talent lineup depending on programming needs. To those departing talent, we give our sincere thanks and appreciation for their hard work and contributions to NFL Media.”
NFL Network statement on the layoffs
Related: Analyzing how much ESPN Plus actually costs
Impact of NFL Network moves on football media coverage
Embedded within The Athletic report is a note that the NFL has been in talks about selling the network and other NFL Media assets to ESPN “in an equity” swap. A resolution is expected within the next couple months.
This will have a wide-ranging impact on media coverage and how football fans both get their news as well as find game coverage.
It’s no small thing given the NFL television deal and how the league has transformed some of its coverage to streaming services.
As for a potential sale to ESPN, the four-letter network has also transformed some of its coverage to streaming services. That will be taken to a whole new level here.
“While the idea of an ESPN-NFL alliance has been mentioned before, discussions between Disney-owned ESPN and the NFL are far enough along that sources said that owners and the Players Association are being informed about the talks,” Andrew Marchand of the NY Post noted back in January.
As the media landscape continues to change, those who consume the NFL product will also have to change their ways accordingly. Thursday’s major news within NFL media adds another layer to this.