Disney cuts hundreds of jobs across Pixar, National Geographic and ESPN

The Walt Disney Company has begun another round of workforce reductions, cutting several hundred jobs across its entertainment businesses, including Pixar, National Geographic, Disney Entertainment Television (DET) and ESPN. The latest layoffs come as the company continues a broader restructuring programme aimed at creating a leaner, more technology-focused organisation.

According to Reuters, employees across multiple business units were informed of the layoffs on Tuesday. The news agency, citing a person familiar with the matter, reported the largest reductions are taking place at Pixar and National Geographic.

The move marks Disney's third round of layoffs this year as the company continues reorganising its operations under its "One Disney" structure.

Creative and editorial teams bear the brunt

The latest reductions affect several business divisions, with Disney Entertainment Television among the hardest hit.

According to Deadline, nearly 100 positions are being eliminated within Disney Entertainment Television. Most of these roles are at National Geographic, spanning the cable channel, editorial operations and other support functions.

The latest workforce changes also include:

• Around 12 positions at ABC News.
• Additional layoffs across other Disney Entertainment Television teams.
• Job reductions across Disney Studios and other corporate business units, according to Reuters.

National Geographic had already undergone significant workforce reductions in 2024, when approximately 60 employees, representing around 13% of its workforce, were laid off.

Pixar sees another restructuring

Pixar Animation Studios is also reducing its workforce, with cuts focused on production and operational teams.

According to Deadline, the layoffs are expected to affect a high single-digit percentage of Pixar's approximately 1,100 employees, placing the total at around or below 100 roles.

No reports have indicated senior Pixar executives are among those affected.

This is Pixar's second major restructuring in recent years. In May 2024, the studio eliminated around 175 positions, representing roughly 14% of its workforce, as it scaled back its emphasis on producing original content for streaming platforms.

The latest cuts come despite strong commercial performance. Deadline reported Pixar's recent releases, including Hoppers and Toy Story 5, have generated nearly $1.4 billion in worldwide box office revenue.

ESPN trims workforce following NFL integration

Disney's sports business is also reducing headcount.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, many of the layoffs at ESPN are linked to its integration of NFL Network assets following the company's acquisition agreement.

Most of the affected employees work in behind-the-scenes roles supporting the combined operations. Some high-profile on-air talent are also leaving the network, including longtime SportsCenter anchor Karl Ravech and NFL analyst Ryan Clark.

In a memo obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said the company had reviewed its organisational structure following the NFL integration and made "difficult decisions" to prepare the business for the future.

He said most of the reductions were connected to the NFL transaction, although some employees in other ESPN functions were also affected. Employees began receiving notification of the layoffs on Tuesday morning.

Restructuring remains the central focus

The latest layoffs continue Disney's multi-stage organisational overhaul.

According to Reuters, CEO Josh D'Amaro is not expected to issue a company-wide memo regarding the current round of job cuts. Earlier this year, he said Disney was simplifying its operations to become faster, more efficient and increasingly technology driven while maintaining creativity and innovation.

The company has implemented several restructuring measures during 2026.

Key milestones include:

• January: Disney consolidated its global marketing teams under Asad Ayaz, resulting in workforce reductions.
• April: Another restructuring exercise affected approximately 1,000 employees.
• Current round: Several hundred additional positions are being eliminated across entertainment, sports and studio businesses.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney has continued reducing headcount as part of its broader restructuring strategy.

A changing media landscape continues to reshape work

Disney has said its restructuring reflects rapid changes across the global media and entertainment industry, where companies are adapting business models, investing in technology and simplifying organisational structures.

At the end of fiscal 2025, Disney employed approximately 231,000 people, including around 172,000 employees in the United States and 59,000 internationally.

The latest workforce reductions signal the company is continuing its long-term organisational transformation as it adapts its operations to changing audience habits, technology investments and evolving business priorities.