- May 21, 2026
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When ESPN acquired NFL Network, frayed nerves at NFLN were calmed by the news that ESPN would honor the existing contracts with on-air personnel, and that ESPN would make a decision when the current deals end.
Although the contracts may technically be honored financially, that doesn't mean the on-air NFL Network employees will continue to be on the air for NFL Network.
As to NFLN reporter Tom Pelissero, multiple sources tell PFT that he had a year left on his contract. And while he'll surely be paid through the expiration of the deal, he'll essentially be sidelined until the deal expires.
This means that the existence of an NFL Network contract won't be a protection against a potential layoff by ESPN, which is currently implementing a round of layoffs involving recognizable names and long-term employees.
So, in addition to now assuming that being on the air won't be insurance against being laid off immediately, having an unexpired NFLN contract provides no protection against it, either.
Although the contracts may technically be honored financially, that doesn't mean the on-air NFL Network employees will continue to be on the air for NFL Network.
As to NFLN reporter Tom Pelissero, multiple sources tell PFT that he had a year left on his contract. And while he'll surely be paid through the expiration of the deal, he'll essentially be sidelined until the deal expires.
This means that the existence of an NFL Network contract won't be a protection against a potential layoff by ESPN, which is currently implementing a round of layoffs involving recognizable names and long-term employees.
So, in addition to now assuming that being on the air won't be insurance against being laid off immediately, having an unexpired NFLN contract provides no protection against it, either.