ESPN is undergoing major changes with its roster of on-air talent. According to multiple reports, the famous sports network began another round of layoffs in July 2026, with several well-known personalities reportedly losing their jobs as the company continues incorporating NFL Network following Disney’s acquisition of the league’s media assets.
Among the now-former employees that were affected are NFL analyst Ryan Clark, NFL insider Tom Pelissero, SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd and injury analyst Stephania Bell. Additional departures are expected.
ESPN has not publicly commented on the staffing decisions, but the cuts mark one of the network’s most significant shakeups over the past few years.
Below, find out who’s been gutted by ESPN amid a harrowing round of layoffs.
Ryan Clark
Ryan was among the first high-profile personalities affected by ESPN’s latest round of layoffs. According to multiple reports, the former NFL safety learned he had been let go while appearing on NFL Live, leaving the program before it concluded. ESPN reportedly accelerated notifying Ryan after media inquiries raised concerns the news would leak before he was informed.
Following the news, Ryan addressed the situation publicly on social media.
“Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN,” Clark tweeted on July 21. “So many of you have poured your life into that company, & I know how you’re feeling right now. My hope is as this door closes another opens for you all. God bless!”
Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN. So many of you have poured your life into that company, & I know how you’re feeling right now.
My hope is as this door closes another opens for you all. God bless!
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) July 21, 2026
Tom Pelissero
NFL insider Tom was also among those reportedly laid off following ESPN’s integration of NFL Network. Tom joined NFL Network in 2017 and became one of the company’s most recognizable insiders before becoming part of ESPN after the acquisition was finalized earlier this year.
Tom has yet to publicly comment on his reported departure from the network.
Stephania Bell
Longtime injury analyst Stephania was reportedly included in the layoffs. She joined ESPN in 2008 and became a familiar face across NFL Live and other football programming, providing medical analysis and injury updates throughout NFL seasons.
David Lloyd
Veteran SportsCenter anchor David was also among those reportedly let go. David joined ESPN in 1997 and spent nearly three decades with the network, becoming one of its longest-tenured anchors.
