ESPN is losing two of its most experienced executive producers. Mark Gross and Tim Corrigan are the latest to accept Disney’s voluntary early retirement offer, according to Sports Business Journal.
What We Know: Gross joined ESPN in 1988 and oversees NFL, MLB, combat sports, tennis and hockey coverage. Meanwhile, Corrigan arrived in 1987 and has worked the NBA since the 2007-08 season. Today, he oversees all pro basketball, including the NBA and WNBA. Gross will help produce Super Bowl LXI, while Corrigan stays through the 2026-27 NBA Finals. These are also in addition to Chief Counsel Nell DeVane, Deidra Maddock, Ben May, Kurt Dargis, Aimee Stokes and Clint Overby also reportedly departing with the same offer.
What They Said: Mark Gross (via SBJ): “Being a part of ESPN for over 38 years has been a dream come true. I’ve learned from the best and couldn’t be more grateful for all that ESPN has given me. Most importantly, I met my wife and so many close friends here. Working on practically every sport, plus ESPN Radio and the talent office, has me ready to explore the next chapter, yet not before I get to wrap up my ESPN career with the ‘MNF’ crew on Super Bowl LXI.”
What Remains Unclear: However, it remains unclear who will replace all these departing members of the Disney/ESPN team. The exodus follows both VP of ESPN Events Clint Overby and ESPN senior director of programming Kurt Dargis both accepting the same deals earlier this month.
What It Means: Ultimately, Disney is shedding decades of institutional knowledge. The offer targeted directors and above whose combined age and tenure reached at least 65. Exiting execs get up to a year of separation pay, and no non-compete applies. Consequently, veterans like Gross and Corrigan could land elsewhere without restrictions. However, how Disney pivots following the departures will remain something to watch.
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