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ESPN is reportedly shutting down its New York studios by 2025, which could extend to its Los Angeles studios as well, according to FrontOfficeSports and Puck News.
That could result in a potentially additional layoffs for the long-time media company.
The report about the studios shutting down comes after a series of layoffs earlier this year, where ESPN parted ways with numerous on-air talents in a bid to reduce costs.
ESPN’s recent layoffs in the summer, which saw the departure of on-air personalities like longtime on-air talent like Suzy Kolber, Mark Jackson, Steve Young, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, Todd McShay.
The New York studio, slated for closure, currently serves as the production center for several popular ESPN shows, including “Get Up,” “First Take,”, “Around The Horn.” and “NBA Countdown,” according to FOS.
With the impending closure, these shows will need to find new production homes.
While the report does not explicitly mention further layoffs, the downsizing of the studios will make it very hard to keep all the employees.
Despite all the layoffs, ESPN has made some sizeable additions to their roster, recently bringing in commentator Pat McAfee and talking head Shannon Sharpe to join “First Take” alongside Stephen A. Smith. Moves that were heavily criticized by some considering all they happened in the middle of 20+ employees losing their job.