Disney Initiates 1,000-Job Cuts Across ESPN, Studio, Tech and Corporate
Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro has begun cutting 1,000 positions across ESPN, traditional television, its movie studio, product and technology teams and corporate functions. This follows the 8,000-job reduction in 2022 and comes as Disney’s global workforce stood at roughly 230,000 in late 2025.
1. Layoff Announcement
Josh D'Amaro, who succeeded Bob Iger as CEO in February, announced the start of 1,000 job cuts across Disney’s businesses to streamline operations and foster a more agile workforce.
2. Divisions Affected
The reductions will span traditional television units including ESPN, the movie studio, product and technology departments, and various corporate functions based at Disney’s Burbank headquarters.
3. Historical Context
Disney previously cut around 8,000 jobs after Bob Iger’s return in 2022. As of late 2025, the company employed approximately 230,000 people worldwide.
4. Industry Comparison
Other major studios have also trimmed staff recently, with Paramount Skydance eliminating 2,000 roles and Sony Pictures Entertainment cutting hundreds of jobs.