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ESPN President John Skipper will be sticking around the sports network.
Skipper’s new contract with ESPN’s parent company, Disney (DIS), will be extended through 2021, according to a source familiar with the deal.
It was first reported by The Big Lead.
Skipper joined ESPN as president in 2012. The contract renewal is a vote of confidence in Skipper during a turbulent time.
ESPN has experienced a series of hardships, ranging from declining subscriber numbers and ad revenue to layoffs.
The drop in subscribers was worrisome because ESPN has several expensive long-term TV deals with pro sports leagues.
Earlier this year, the sports network laid off roughly 100 on-air personalities and writers.
In 2015, ESPN laid off about 300 employees, which was about 4% of its global workforce.
At the time, it was reported that ESPN was told by Disney to trim costs.
Related: This is ‘SportsCenter’? ESPN is changing its flagship show
Disney’s decision to keep Skipper at the helm likely means a smoother transition as the network shifts toward digital.
In August, Disney acquired a 33% stake in BAMTech, a major video streaming and marketing company, and plans to launch an ESPN streaming service next spring.
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