Kevin Durant Lays Off Entire Boardroom Staff Amid Burner Account Scandal

The sudden move comes days after reports surfaced about Durant’s alleged use of a secret social media account.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Kevin Durant’s media company, Boardroom, has unexpectedly laid off its entire full-time editorial staff, just days after the NBA star was embroiled in a social media scandal involving a purported “burner” account. The layoffs were sudden and caught employees off guard, with some unable to even export their email contacts before being let go. While the exact reasons behind the decision remain unclear, speculation swirls that it may be connected to the burner account controversy that has plagued Durant.

Why it matters

The abrupt dismissal of Boardroom’s entire editorial team raises questions about the company’s future and Durant’s leadership, coming at a time when the NBA star is already facing scrutiny over his alleged use of a secret social media account to criticize teammates and others. The move also highlights the precarious nature of employment in the digital media industry, where layoffs can happen swiftly and without warning.

The details

According to reports, Boardroom, the sports, media and entertainment brand co-founded by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman, has eliminated its full-time editorial team. The layoffs were unexpected, and the dismissed staff were unable to export their email contacts before being let go. Without additional details from the company, the exact reasons behind the decision remain speculative, but it comes just days after Durant was embroiled in a social media scandal involving a purported “burner” account used to criticize teammates and others.

  • On February 21, 2026, Boardroom announced the layoffs of its full-time editorial staff.
  • In the days prior, reports surfaced about Durant’s alleged use of a secret social media account to make critical comments.

The players

Kevin Durant

An NBA star who co-founded the media company Boardroom, which has now laid off its entire full-time editorial team.

Rich Kleiman

The co-founder of Boardroom, Durant’s media company, which has undergone the sudden staff dismissals.

Phillip Lewis

A HuffPost editor who reported on the Boardroom layoffs.

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What they’re saying

“Boardroom, the sports, media and entertainment brand co-founded by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman, has eliminated its full time editorial team.”

— Phillip Lewis, HuffPost Editor (Twitter)

What’s next

Details are still emerging about the reasons behind Boardroom’s decision to lay off its entire full-time editorial staff. It’s unclear if the move is directly connected to the recent reports about Durant’s alleged burner account, or if there are other factors at play. Further statements from the company or Durant himself could shed more light on the situation.

The takeaway

The sudden and unexpected dismissal of Boardroom’s editorial team raises concerns about the stability and direction of Durant’s media venture, coming at a time when the NBA star is already facing scrutiny over his social media conduct. This episode highlights the precarious nature of employment in the digital media industry and the potential consequences for companies and individuals when high-profile controversies arise.