ESPN lays off NBA senior writer Zach Lowe: Sources

ESPN has parted ways with NBA senior writer Zach Lowe as part of the network’s continuing layoffs, sources briefed on the decision told The Athletic on Thursday.

Lowe follows the earlier dismissals of NFL personalities, Robert Griffin III and Sam Ponder. The moves are part of the network’s fiscal year planning that ends at the conclusion of September. ESPN and Lowe both declined to comment.

Lowe’s salary, which was in excess of seven figures annually, was the biggest factor in ESPN’s decision, according to sources briefed on the terms of his contract. He is expected to be the final layoff of this round.

Lowe had been with ESPN for 12 years, first starting at the longform site, Grantland. Besides writing and appearing on TV, he also hosted the “Lowe Post” podcast series.

ESPN’s NBA coverage is in a state of transition with the surprise retirement of insider Adrian Wojnarowski and with the network still figuring out if it will add to its lead broadcast team of Mike Breen and Doris Burke.

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(Photo: Mike Windle / Getty Images for ESPN)