ESPN’s Mike Greenberg may soon have a new, familiar role. Also: John Skipper will be back on ESPN’s air Sunday night; plus layoff news and more.
Greenberg to host new ESPN Radio show, per report
ESPN “Get Up” host Mike Greenberg is nearing a deal to host a new show on ESPN Radio, according to Outkick the Coverage. Greenberg, whose role on “Get Up!” would not be affected, is expected to host solo in a weekday afternoon slot between Noon and 3 PM ET. Greenberg previously hosted ESPN Radio’s morning show alongside Mike Golic from 1998-18. [Outkick 6.22]
Skipper in ESPN “Decision” doc
Former ESPN president John Skipper will be back on the network Sunday night as an interview subject in a new episode of ESPN’s Backstory. Sunday’s episode is about LeBron James’ 2010 “Decision” to announce his free agency destination in an ESPN special. Skipper was ESPN EVP/content at the time and went on to serve as its president from 2012-17. After his abrupt 2017 resignation, he took on his current position as executive chairman of DAZN.
The Backstory episode will mark ESPN’s 11th-straight Sunday night of new original programming. [ESPN PR 6.22]
Fox laying off 20 FS1 staffers
Fox Sports laid off about 20 FS1 staffers on Monday, according to Sports Business Daily, but the decision did not have to do with the ongoing economic downturn. Fox is said to be cutting back on low-rated studio shows, canceling “Inside PBC” and scaling back “WWE Backstage” among other moves.
In addition to the Fox layoffs, Golf Channel will eliminate some jobs as part of its relocation from Orlando to NBC Sports’ Stamford, Conn., headquarters. [SBJ 6.22]
Plus: Ryder Cup, NBA Draft, Stanley Cup Playoffs
An announcement is expected this week that the Ryder Cup will be postponed to next year, The Guardian reported Monday. The event will shift back to the every-odd-year schedule it had before the 2001 edition was postponed due to the September 11 attacks. … The NBA has adjusted the date for its rescheduled NBA Draft from October 15 to October 16, according to multiple reports last week. The shift allows the draft to avoid potential NFL competition. … The expanded Stanley Cup Playoffs is currently set to begin July 30, New York Post reporter Larry Brooks reported on Twitter over the weekend. [The Guardian 6.22, AP via NBA.com 6.20, Brooks/Twitter 6.20]
