Particle.news
Download on the App Store

ESPN Confirms David Roberts Will Retire at End of August

The change positions ESPN to refine its cross‑platform studio strategy.

Overview

  • ESPN said executive vice president and executive editor David Roberts will retire at the end of August.
  • The company did not name a successor, though The Athletic reported that senior vice president Mike Foss is expected to take a larger portfolio.
  • Roberts oversees the newsroom, investigative and enterprise reporting, digital editorial, all editions of SportsCenter, and studio shows such as First Take and Get Up.
  • Across 22 years at ESPN and nearly 50 in media, he helped launch NBA Today, strengthened First Take and Get Up, and nurtured talent including Malika Andrews and Chiney Ogwumike.
  • He received recent industry honors from NATAS and the NABJ, and his exit comes as ESPN expands digital distribution like its Unlimited streaming option, where Foss’s digital background and work with Pat McAfee could shape next steps.