Zach Lowe Laid Off From ESPN After 12 Years With The Network

Zach Lowe, a beloved NBA writer and analyst, has been laid off by ESPN after 12 years with the network. The news, reported by The Athletic, is part of ESPN's ongoing wave of layoffs as they continue restructuring and cutting costs ahead of the end of their fiscal year. Lowe, who had become a cornerstone of ESPN’s NBA coverage, saw his seven-figure salary cited as a major factor in the decision to part ways with him.

Lowe initially joined ESPN through Grantland, the long-form journalism platform spearheaded by Bill Simmons, where he gained widespread recognition for his deep, analytical approach to basketball. 

When Grantland was shuttered, Lowe transitioned to ESPN’s main site, where his work continued to shine. Over the years, he became one of the most respected voices in the basketball world, particularly for his detailed breakdowns of the game’s tactics, players, and trends. His popular podcast, The Lowe Post, further cemented his status as a go-to source for insightful basketball analysis.

Lowe's departure follows a series of major changes to ESPN’s NBA coverage. The network had already lost longtime NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, who retired unexpectedly earlier this year. In the past year, ESPN also parted ways with notable NBA figures such as Jalen Rose, Jeff Van Gundy, and Mark Jackson as part of broader company-wide layoffs. These moves reflect ESPN’s efforts to tighten its budget, as many high-profile personalities have been let go due to their sizable contracts.

The loss of Lowe is a significant blow to ESPN’s NBA team, as he was not only a prolific writer but also a regular on television and podcast platforms. His ability to break down the nuances of the game made him a standout in an increasingly crowded sports media landscape. For many fans, his analysis was a key part of their NBA experience, whether through his columns or his thoughtful discussions with guests on The Lowe Post.

While ESPN's NBA coverage is in a state of transition, with changes to its lead broadcast team and a reshuffling of written content following the departure of both Lowe and Wojnarowski, fans are left wondering how the network will fill the void left by these key figures.

As for Lowe, his future is bright. Given his stature in the basketball media world, there is speculation that platforms like The Ringer—helmed by his former colleague Bill Simmons—could be a natural fit for him. Additionally, with NBC and Amazon poised to enter the NBA broadcast space in 2025-26, they may also be interested in adding a talent of Lowe’s caliber.

Lowe’s departure marks the end of an era for ESPN's NBA coverage, and it will be interesting to see how both the network and Lowe move forward from this pivotal moment in sports media.