Network is at a crossroads as it adapts to the future

ESPN is undergoing a major transformation behind the scenes which is playing out on air.

The sports network has been a cash cow for Disney ever since they purchased it in 1996.

Stephen A. Smith and others sitting courtside at a basketball game.

Stephen A. Smith signed a new contract with ESPN worth $100 million
ESPN host Dan Orlovsky speaking on a show.
Dan Orlovsky’s contract is up and his future with the network is uncertain

But the move away from cable television towards streaming in recent years is proving a challenge.

ESPN has tried to maintain revenue by raising subscriber fees and also launch their own streaming service.

But the rise in fees has led to disputes with cable television carriers and blackouts.

The company has tried to invest in star talent with huge contracts handed out to the likes of Stephen A. Smith, Peyton Manning and Pat McAfee.

But that has come at the cost of a number of their on-air talent.

Smith recently agreed a $100 million new contract to remain one of the faces of the network.

He will continue in his role on First Take and on NBA coverage.

The outspoken analyst will also reportedly play a role in ESPN’s Monday Night Football NFL coverage.

Jason Kelce is another superstar who features on the network’s NFL shows.

But host Sam Ponder was one of the highest profile cuts made by the network in a shock move.

Stephen A. Smith issues defiant seven-word message over next career move following $100m ESPN contract talks

And analyst Dan Orlovsky is the latest ESPN NFL star to face an uncertain future.

He is out of contract with the network, and was in no mood to discuss it when colleague Adam Schefter brought it up live on air.

“During Dan Orlovsky’s career, he just wanted someone to love him the whole time,” Schefter said this week.

“The only place that ever loved him that way was ESPN. We love Dan!”

In response, the former quarterback remained coy.

Pat McAfee speaking into a microphone on his show.

ESPN has paid huge sums to the likes of Pat McAfee

“Time will tell,” he said.

It’s not only with on-air talent that ESPN is making changes.

The network is pulling out of a deal with Major League Baseball after the 2025 season.

ESPN opted out of its deal to broadcast Sunday Night Baseball, the Home Run Derby, and the wild-card round of the playoffs after this season.

The network was set to pay $550 million per year through 2028.

But ESPN wants to negotiate a reduced fee with the MLB thanks to the rise in streaming.

Apple pays $85 million a year and Roku $10 million to stream live MLB games.

The company is no stranger to cost-cutting measures and shifting it’s business model.

NFL remains a priority and ESPN will reenter the Super Bowl rotation with Fox, CBS and NBC.

ABC and ESPN will show the Super Bowl in 2027 and 2031.

But the on-air talent team could look very different by then.