The decisions were made for financial reasons as ESPN nears the conclusion of its fiscal year at the end of September, per a source briefed on the matter.
Both Ponder and Griffin made more than seven figures. Each was informed of ESPN’s decision Thursday morning, a source briefed on the decision said.
Neither Griffin nor Ponder responded to The Athletic’s requests for comment, but Griffin referenced the move in a post on X.
Ponder was entering the final season of a three-year deal worth more than $3 million, sources briefed on her contract said.
She only worked in the prestigious role of “Sunday NFL Countdown” host and was basically off for the rest of the year. ESPN generally reserves these types of schedules for the Joe Bucks, Troy Aikmans and Peyton Mannings of its world.
“NFL Live” host Laura Rutledge and “Get Up” host Mike Greenberg are potential replacements for Ponder.
The buyouts of Ponder and Griffin are the only moves ESPN is making at the moment, but it could choose to shed more salary by the end of September.
However, the cuts are not expected to be anywhere near the bloodletting in which around 20 big names were let go last June, including stalwarts like Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber and Jalen Rose.
