Warner Bros. Discovery Sports has recently conducted a round of layoffs, resulting in the termination of over 50 employees. The cost-cutting effort at the division aimed to streamline operations and increase efficiency. While the job losses affected various areas within the company, the digital group was hit the hardest, with approximately 10% of its staff being let go, according to sources. Notably, the cuts did not impact senior executives or on-air talent.
This round of layoffs comes six months after Warner Bros. Discovery Sports previously laid off around 70 individuals as part of broader across-the-board cuts. At that time, Luis Silberwasser, Chair and CEO of WBD Sports, urged executives to continue seeking opportunities for enhanced efficiency within the division. The recent job cuts can be seen as part of this ongoing process.
Despite the workforce reductions, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports remains committed to its sports programming and plans to aggressively bid to retain its NBA rights when they become available for bidding in a couple of years. The division’s recent upfront advertising event in New York showcased its strong emphasis on sports programming, particularly the NBA, NHL, MLB, and March Madness.
In related news, Tim Kiely, a long-time producer of “Inside the NBA,” is reportedly retiring, as per a recent report from the New York Post. However, sources have clarified that Kiely’s departure is unrelated to the recent layoffs.
As Warner Bros. Discovery Sports navigates these workforce changes, industry observers and affected employees will closely monitor the division’s strategies and future developments. The ongoing efforts to optimize operations reflect the broader trends in the industry as companies seek to adapt and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
