ESPN Bolsters Reporting Team with Hire of Six Journalists from Washington Post

The network adds veteran sports writers after major newspaper cuts its sports section.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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ESPN has announced the hiring of six veteran sports journalists who were recently laid off from The Washington Post. The move comes after the Jeff Bezos-owned newspaper made significant cuts to its well-respected sports section in early February. The six new hires, who bring over 100 years of industry experience, will contribute reporting across ESPN's digital and television platforms.

Why it matters

The hiring of these high-profile journalists from The Washington Post represents a continued commitment by ESPN to invest in quality journalism and storytelling. It also highlights the challenges facing the newspaper industry, as major outlets like The Post make tough decisions to restructure and cut staff.

The details

The six journalists hired by ESPN are Kareem Copeland, Chuck Culpepper, Robert Klemko, Tom Schad and Ben Strauss. They will cover a range of topics including women's basketball, sports-related crimes, and investigative and data-driven stories. Klemko was part of a 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning team at The Post for a series on the rise of the AR-15 rifle.

  • On February 4, 2026, The Washington Post cut its well-respected sports section as part of a series of layoffs and restructuring.
  • On March 9, 2026, ESPN announced the hiring of the six former Washington Post journalists.

The players

ESPN

A major American sports media company that operates the ESPN television network and related properties.

The Washington Post

A major American daily newspaper based in Washington, D.C. and owned by Jeff Bezos.

Jimmy Pitaro

The chairman of ESPN.

Kareem Copeland

One of the six journalists hired by ESPN from The Washington Post.

Chuck Culpepper

One of the six journalists hired by ESPN from The Washington Post.

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What they’re saying

“Adding these six outstanding journalists and the reputation of The Washington Post will enhance an ESPN team that is already the best in the business. We are proud to advance our robust commitment to journalism, which is core to our mission of serving sports fans.”

— Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN Chairman (ESPN PR)

What’s next

ESPN is set to take over the NFL Network on April 1, 2026, which has some NFL Network employees in 'panic mode' according to reports.

The takeaway

ESPN's hiring of six veteran journalists from The Washington Post demonstrates the network's continued investment in quality sports journalism and storytelling, even as the newspaper industry faces challenges and restructuring.