Neil Everett, a popular anchor of ESPN's "SportsCenter," is reportedly leaving the network after 23 years. The 61-year-old Everett, who joined ESPN in July 2000, is the latest on-air talent to depart the network. ESPN budget cuts are part of the overall Disney budget slashing that has seen the company attempt to shed 7,000 jobs. The reason for Everett's departure is unclear, with one source saying he was offered a new deal at a reduced salary, but turned it down, while another said his contract was not renewed.
SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett is leaving ESPN after 23 years amid company cutbacks. Everett and Stan Verrett have co-hosted the late edition of SportsCenter from Los Angeles since 2009. ESPN parent company Disney plans to cut spending by $5.5 billion worldwide. Meanwhile, ESPN hired Pat McAfee to be their early afternoon anchor this fall at an annual salary of roughly $17 million.
Longtime "SportsCenter" anchor Neil Everett is leaving ESPN after a 23-year tenure with the network amid its Disney-mandated job cuts. The reasons for his departure are unclear, with one report saying he turned down a new deal at a reduced salary and another saying his contract wasn't renewed. Everett will reportedly seek to increase his role with the Portland Trail Blazers, for whom he has moonlighted since 2021, with "several" side projects also in the works.
Neil Everett, one of ESPN's most popular anchors for 23 years, is leaving the network as part of the downsizing of on-air talent mandated by Walt Disney Co. Everett plans to increase his role with the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers and has several side projects in the works. ESPN declined to comment on the departure of the famous "SportsCenter" anchor.
