In yet another blow to the network’s sports journalism credibility, ESPN has laid off senior NBA writer Zach Lowe, according to reports from The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand. Lowe’s departure comes as part of a troubling trend at the network, which has recently seen other prominent figures like Robert Griffin III and Samantha Ponder shown the door. As layoffs pile up, many are left to wonder about the future direction of ESPN and its commitment to quality sports coverage.
Lowe, who had been with ESPN for over a decade, initially joined the network after writing for Sports Illustrated and making a name for himself at Bill Simmons’ Grantland. When Grantland was shuttered in 2015, Lowe was one of the few writers to make the transition to ESPN, a move that was seen as a significant win for the network. His work included not just writing but also regular appearances on “NBA Today,” ESPN’s daily NBA program, and hosting the well-received “Lowe Post” podcast.
However, according to sources, Lowe’s hefty salary—reportedly over $1 million a year—played a major role in his dismissal. In an age where media companies are tightening their belts, it seems that even talented journalists are not immune to the cost-cutting measures that plague the industry.
This wave of layoffs is particularly alarming for sports fans who rely on ESPN for in-depth coverage and analysis. The recent firings of well-known personalities like Griffin and Ponder, just ahead of the much-anticipated football season, have raised concerns about the network’s commitment to its talent and its audience. Are these layoffs a signal of deeper issues at ESPN, or simply a reaction to the changing media landscape?
Interestingly, there may be a silver lining for Lowe amidst this turmoil. As networks like NBC and Amazon prepare to ramp up their NBA coverage ahead of new league rights agreements in 2025, there is speculation that they could be looking to hire established talent like Lowe. With Amazon’s deal contingent upon the outcome of TNT’s ongoing legal issues with the NBA, Lowe’s experience and insight could make him a valuable asset for these networks looking to enhance their sports journalism teams.
Lowe’s exit is particularly noteworthy following last week’s surprise announcement that ESPN’s lead NBA reporter, Adrian Wojnarowski, has also decided to leave the network. Wojnarowski, who announced his departure via X (formerly Twitter), revealed that he would be taking on a new role as the general manager of St. Bonaventure’s men’s basketball team. In his heartfelt message, he reflected on his humble beginnings, stating, “I grew up the son of a factory worker two miles from ESPN’s campus and only ever dreamed of making a living as a sportswriter.”
Wojnarowski’s transition from sports journalism to management is emblematic of the current climate in sports media, where even the most established figures are reassessing their paths. “Time isn’t in endless supply,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of dedicating time to pursuits that are personally meaningful.
As ESPN grapples with these significant changes, fans and industry observers alike are left wondering: What does the future hold for a network that once stood as the gold standard in sports journalism? With the departure of key figures and the looming question of whether the network can maintain its relevance, only time will tell if ESPN can regain its footing in the increasingly competitive landscape of sports media.
