MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 19: Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy and his girlfriend Silvana Mojica look on in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics at FTX Arena on May 19, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
A longtime ESPN employee is reportedly set to leave the Worldwide Leader In Sports for Barstool Sports amid the former’s downsizing drive.
ESPN has taken on a cost-cutting initiative, laying off several members of staff this year. It’s reported that around 7,000 people will lose their jobs by the time it’s over. The company is now set to scrap the popular morning show featuring Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams, and Max Kellerman, with lots of on-air changes still to take place.
Given the development, some senior talent are jumping ship. Front Office Sports is reporting that Josh Drew is one such staffer, with the ESPN veteran set to join Barstool Sports.
Dave Portnoy is reportedly hiring Drew, who has been a producer at ESPN, as its Senior Talent Producer. He is expected to start on July 10.
The times, they are a changing in sports media.
Renegade Barstool Sports Is Now Luring Talent From Downsizing ESPN – https://t.co/MO9lOtmfZt via @FOS— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) June 22, 2023
Barstool Sports has made a huge splash in the sports media arena and continues to grow rapidly. It appears they’re keen on taking full advantage of ESPN’s downsizing campaign and who could blame them? Bringing in experienced senior personnel from one of the biggest media companies in the world will only serve to help them grow their reach even further.
While ESPN has been a great source of talent, Barstool is attracting staff from other top networks as well.
