ESPN makes major NFL Network move after going on firing spree
ESPN makes major NFL Network move after going on firing spree
Sian JonesFri, July 31, 2026 at 10:12 AM UTC
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The NFL Network has been added to the ESPN app -Credit:X
ESPN has made a major move following a wave of layoffs, as the sports media giant adds the NFL Network to its app.
The move will give fans access to live games, replays, studio shows and original programming through the same platform. It comes as ESPN prepares to expand its NFL coverage ahead of its first-ever Super Bowl broadcast, Super Bowl LXI, in 2027.
NFL Network’s seven-game schedule will be part of ESPN’s expanded 2026 NFL coverage, which includes 17 Monday Night Football games, a Week 18 Saturday doubleheader, and playoff matchups. In total, ESPN will air 29 NFL games across the regular season and postseason.
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The announcement comes after ESPN announced another round of layoffs within its NFL department last week, following the network’s reported $3 billion acquisition of NFL Network earlier this year, despite its major investments in high-profile talent.
ESPN continues to invest heavily in its biggest on-air personalities, with Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee reportedly earning a combined $37 million per year. Smith signed a five-year, $100 million extension last year, while McAfee is believed to earn around $17 million annually, with the value of his deal potentially rising due to the success of his show.
Ryan Clark was among the ESPN personalities affected by the cuts, reportedly learning of his removal during an episode of NFL Live. Clark featured in multiple segments before being informed of the decision and did not return to the set afterward.
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Ryan Clark was the first person to be let go by ESPN -Credit:Getty Images
Veteran baseball broadcaster Karl Ravech was also let go, however many MLB fans have been left wondering when Karl Ravech will make his final on-air appearance after the veteran broadcaster continued calling games just days after reports of his ESPN departure emerged.
Former NFL MVP Cam Newton has also parted ways with the network after joining ESPN in 2025.
Newton signed a multi-year deal with ESPN after replacing Shannon Sharpe on First Take, where he regularly appeared alongside Stephen A. Smith on Mondays during the NFL season. The departures also reportedly include NFL analyst Bart Scott, reporter Tom Pelissero, SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd, injury analyst Stephania Bell and NFL analyst Charles Davis.
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ESPN has undergone several rounds of high-profile cuts in recent years, including the departures of NBA analyst Zach Lowe, Robert Griffin III and Samantha Ponder in 2024.
The network also made significant reductions in 2023, when more than 20 prominent figures were let go, including Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber, Steve Young and Max Kellerman.
Following the layoffs, ESPN has reportedly identified Steve Smith as a potential replacement for Ryan Clark and Cam Newton. The former All-Pro wide receiver, who starred for the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens, spent three seasons as Newton’s teammate in Carolina from 2011 to 2013 before joining Baltimore. He played three more seasons with the Ravens.
Source: “AOL Sports”
