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ESPN Relocates “SportsCenter” and Soccer Coverage to Bristol

The Los Angeles iterations of ESPN’s “SportsCenter” and its soccer studio productions are set to be discontinued as the network plans a strategic move to consolidate these operations in Bristol, Connecticut.

This relocation will affect approximately 35 employees, accounting for 13% of the workforce at ESPN’s West Coast production facility, according to sources familiar with the situation.

An ESPN representative confirmed the decision, stating, “Given our current business needs, we are relocating the L.A.-based ‘SportsCenter’ and soccer studio shows to ESPN’s Bristol headquarters, which will also encompass a limited follow-up of employee positions tied to these programs. However, the Los Angeles Production Center will continue to facilitate ESPN’s NBA studio productions and serve as office space for additional employees based in L.A.”

The “SportsCenter” show will maintain its regular time slot at 1 a.m. ET, with production expected to commence in Bristol by late May. Ongoing discussions regarding the futures of L.A.-based anchors Linda Cohn and Stan Verrett are still active, according to sources.

This transition occurs alongside reports that ESPN is allegedly considering the acquisition of the NFL Media Network. Industry insider Andrew Marchand from TheAthletic.com noted on his podcast that the potential cost could reach up to $2 billion, with an ownership stake in ESPN being a possibility for the NFL as part of negotiations.

ESPN has refrained from commenting on these speculative rumors but clarified that the decision to move “SportsCenter” from Los Angeles is not connected to the potential NFL Media acquisition discussions.

Source
www.thewrap.com