re: Why is ESPN laying off so many people?

ESPN also had layoffs in 2002, 2004, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2021. Some of these layoffs were smaller on scale or didn't involve on-air talent. I imagine ESPN is a lot like other business, they overhire during times of economic prosperity and layoff when budgets have to be tightened up.

But I don't think it's at all unusual that they're laying people off. It follows a pattern on how they operate.
Their employees are holding a spot, and as soon as they become too expensive, they're replaced. There's no shortage of talent they can find that will work for less to get the experience.