ESPN Ends Contract of Longtime SportsCenter Anchor Stan Verrett

After 25 years with ESPN, longtime SportsCenter anchor Stan Verrett will leave the network later this summer as his contract will not be renewed. Verrett, who began anchoring the 1 a.m. ET edition of SportsCenter from Los Angeles in 2009 alongside Neil Everett, has been a key figure during a period of significant change, including ESPN's shift to move late-night SportsCenter production from Los Angeles to Bristol, Connecticut. Verrett confirmed on social media that he is not retiring and expressed excitement about future opportunities. His departure coincides with broader organizational changes at ESPN, including relocating operations and the launch of a direct-to-consumer streaming service. While Verrett will continue hosting SportsCenter in the weeks ahead and participate in promotional activities, the move marks the end of an era for the network's Los Angeles-based production and some of its most recognizable on-air talent. ESPN has not publicly commented on the reasons behind the decision, but the consolidation of production and evolving business needs appear factors.