The biggest domino in the world of Sports media is set to fall.
According to various reports, Bill Simmons will not be renewing his contract at ESPN.
BIll SImmons to leave ESPN, according to ESPN president John Skipper. "We weren't going to get to the terms," said Skipper.
— Richard Sandomir (@RichSandomir) May 8, 2015
We’re not sure what that means for Grantland — the sports site that Simmons helped create, but John Skippers comments on Simmons leads us to believe that Bill wanted a lot to stay, or priced himself out on purpose.
“We weren’t going to get to the terms,” said Skipper.
His contract with ESPN is up later this year. In an interview in March, he questioned ESPN’s support for him and his site.
“I think they take it for granted. Not just how hard I work, but how hard everybody works.”
I would imagine that the folks over at FOX Sports and FS1 are pleased.
UPDATE***
ESPN and President John Skipper have weighted in on the exit of Bill Simmons and the question of what happens to Grantland?
ESPN President John Skipper: “I decided today that we are not going to renew Bill Simmons’ contract. We have been in negotiations and it was clear it was time to move on. ESPN’s relationship with Bill has been mutually beneficial – he has produced great content for us for many years and ESPN has provided him many new opportunities to spread his wings. We wish Bill continued success as he plans his next chapter. ESPN remains committed to Grantland and we have a strong team in place.”
So there you have it.
Simmons can go, but Grantland will be staying put.
SI’s Richard Deitsch believes Simmons will take a good junk of that staff with him.
I'll file later but some initial thoughts: Look for some Grantland staffers to leave with Simmons. Look for ESPN to continue G-Land for now.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) May 8, 2015