The ESPN on-air talent changes over the past few months aren’t ending, and another big name is making an exit – on her own terms.
NFL reporter Dianna Russini is leaving ESPN to become the lead NFL insider for The Athletic, the New York Post reported on Aug. 11.
Russini spent eight years with The Walt Disney Co. (DIS) -) sports network as a host, analyst, and reporter, and was a part of all of ESPN’s top NFL programs such as “NFL Countdown” and “NFL Live.”
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Russini was reportedly offered a raise by ESPN to stay with the company, but she ultimately decided to move to The New York Times’ (NYT) -) sports publication.
According to the New York Post report, Russini’s departure opens the door for Lindsey Thiry to becoming a full-time NFL TV reporter, while Kimberley Martin and Jeff Darlington are expected to see more air time.
ESPN cut about 20 on-air staffers in late June, and is continuing to move around pieces of some of its biggest shows like “NBA Countdown.”
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Russini will fulfill multiple roles with The Athletic, including writing, and appearing on video content and podcasts.
The New York Times acquired The Athletic in early 2022 for $550 million. Just last month, The Times dissolved its sports section with the aim of directing its sports readership to The Athletic.
