Tom Pelissero, an NFL reporter for NFL Network, is joining Netflix for its NFL coverage after being laid off earlier this year. Both outlets report that Pelissero’s departure follows an unexpected ESPN layoff that affected him despite his existing NFLN contract.
In the reporting, ESPN’s restructuring is cited as the reason for the job cuts, including changes linked to ESPN’s acquisition of NFL Network. Yahoo Sports notes that ESPN included Pelissero in the latest round of layoffs even though he still had time left on his NFL Network deal. The Athletic similarly describes the move as part of ESPN’s broader operational adjustments following the NFL Network acquisition, setting the stage for Pelissero’s next role with Netflix.
The sources agree on the core timeline—an ESPN layoff last month and a subsequent landing at Netflix—but differ in emphasis. Yahoo Sports focuses more on the contract timing and how the layoff was unexpected. The Athletic frames the story primarily around ESPN’s restructuring following the NFL Network deal.
