ESPN has started a new round of layoffs as it continues to combine NFL Network operations with its business. The move follows a major agreement that brought NFL Network and NFL RedZone under ESPN’s control.

Integration Drives Job Cuts

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro announced the layoffs in a memo to employees on Tuesday. The company has spent several months reviewing its teams and resources since completing the deal.

“Over the past several months, we’ve made significant progress integrating the NFL assets that we acquired into ESPN,” Pitaro wrote. “Throughout this process, we have taken the time to carefully evaluate our collective teams, resources and organisational structure to best position us for the future. As a result, we had to make some difficult decisions about job impacts that we will be communicating today.”

The NFL acquired a 10% stake in ESPN under the agreement announced earlier this year.

More Employees Affected

Pitaro said most of the job cuts relate to the NFL asset integration. However, some workers in other parts of the company will also lose their jobs.

“While most of the job impacts are tied to the acquisition, we will also notify colleagues in other parts of the company today that their positions have been impacted. We are committed to treating employees with compassion and respect and to providing support as they navigate this transition.”

ESPN did not reveal how many employees lost their jobs. The company also declined to provide further details.

High-Profile Names Reportedly Impacted

According to The Athletic, several well-known media figures are among those leaving the company. They include longtime ESPN commentator Karl Ravech, NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero and NFL analyst Ryan Clark.

Details of the NFL Deal

Disney valued the NFL agreement at about $3 billion in a February filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The deal allows Disney to regain the NFL’s stake in ESPN after July 2034 if certain conditions are met. It also gives the NFL the option to increase its ownership stake in ESPN by up to 4%.