Another high-profile departure has rocked ESPN as Senior NBA writer Zach Lowe has been laid off, according to a report from The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand. Lowe, a widely respected voice in the basketball world, had been with ESPN for over a decade, having joined the network in 2012 after his work with Bill Simmons’ Grantland vertical and Sports Illustrated.
Lowe’s departure marks the latest in a series of significant layoffs at ESPN as the network continues to restructure amid financial pressures. According to the report, Lowe’s seven-figure salary—exceeding $1 million annually—was cited as the primary reason for his dismissal. This comes as ESPN, like many media companies, is navigating cost-cutting measures in an increasingly challenging sports media landscape.
Lowe’s career at ESPN was marked by his insightful analysis, in-depth writing, and versatile contributions across multiple platforms. In addition to his long-form articles, he regularly appeared on ESPN’s daily NBA show, NBA Today, and hosted the popular Lowe Post podcast, where his thoughtful commentary and interviews with key figures from around the league earned him a loyal following.
His ability to break down the complexities of the game while engaging both casual fans and die-hard basketball enthusiasts made him one of the most influential voices covering the NBA.
Lowe’s exit follows a string of high-profile departures from ESPN, including NFL analyst Robert Griffin III and host Samantha Ponder, who were laid off just before the start of the football season. These layoffs have sparked concerns about the future of the network’s talent roster, as ESPN continues to reshape its lineup amid growing competition from other sports media giants.
For Lowe, however, this may present an opportunity. Both NBC and Amazon have been actively pursuing top NBA talent as they prepare for their upcoming NBA rights agreements in 2025. With NBA media rights expected to be highly competitive, Lowe’s expertise and reputation could make him a valuable asset to any network looking to bolster its basketball coverage.
There’s speculation that Lowe could find a new home with one of these companies, particularly as Amazon is looking to expand its NBA coverage, presuming its legal dispute with TNT is resolved.
Lowe’s departure comes on the heels of another surprising shakeup in ESPN’s NBA coverage. Just last week, it was revealed that ESPN’s lead NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski, widely known for his breaking news and trade scoops, left the network to pursue a new career path. Wojnarowski announced that he would be stepping away from journalism entirely to become the general manager of his alma mater St. Bonaventure’s men’s basketball team.
Wojnarowski expressed gratitude for his long career in sports media but noted that he felt it was time to make a change.
“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 shared on X (formerly Twitter). “Thirty-seven years ago, the Hartford Courant gave me my first byline, and I never stopped chasing the thrill of it all.
“This craft transformed my life, but I’ve decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry. I understand the commitment required in my role, and it’s an investment that I’m no longer driven to make. Time isn’t in endless supply, and I want to spend mine in ways that are more personally meaningful.”
As ESPN continues to navigate financial challenges and changes to its talent roster, it’s clear the media landscape is shifting, with top-tier reporters and analysts like Lowe and Wojnarowski moving on to new chapters.
For fans of Zach Lowe, the news may be disappointing, but his contributions to basketball journalism over the past decade have left a lasting impact on how the game is covered, and his future moves will likely be watched closely by many in the industry.
