Story perspectives

ESPN Won’t Renew Damien Woody Contract After NFL Network Cuts

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

ESPN announced it will not renew NFL player Damien Woody’s contract, ending his tenure, as part of talent cuts after Disney’s $3 billion purchase of the NFL Network.
Woody, who earned nearly seven figures after ESPN blocked a 2022 FS1 offer, will stay on-air through August 2026 by his own choice, appearing on Get Up, First Take, Fantasy Football Now and SportsCenter.
Analysts Ryan Clark, Bart Scott and Karl Ravech will also finish the month on air.

History

Historical Context

In February 1996 The Walt Disney Company bought Capital Cities/ABC for $19 billion, gaining an 80 % stake in ESPN and consolidating sports broadcasting under Disney. The pattern reappeared when Disney disclosed in August 2025 that ESPN would acquire the NFL’s media division, a deal expected in 2026 that has already prompted analyst contract renegotiations and on-air talent cuts.

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Story summary

ESPN announced it will not renew NFL player Damien Woody’s contract, ending his tenure, as part of talent cuts after Disney’s $3 billion purchase of the NFL Network.
Woody, who earned nearly seven figures after ESPN blocked a 2022 FS1 offer, will stay on-air through August 2026 by his own choice, appearing on Get Up, First Take, Fantasy Football Now and SportsCenter.
Analysts Ryan Clark, Bart Scott and Karl Ravech will also finish the month on air.

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