Washington Post May Close Entire Sports Desk, Report Suggests
The Washington Post is facing significant changes, including potential layoffs and the possible closure of its sports desk. Recent reports indicate that the newspaper has already made the decision to abandon its coverage of the upcoming Winter Olympics, just weeks before the event begins. This is indicative of a broader trend of financial struggles impacting the publication, which has been losing both money and personnel.
Reductions at the Washington Post: Key Details
According to Puck’s Dylan Byers, there are worries within the newsroom that the sports desk could be entirely shut down. The foreign desk is also anticipated to undergo severe cuts. These speculations arise as the Post continues to lose subscribers and staff, exacerbating its financial difficulties.
- Date: January 25, 2026
- Recent Cuts: Washington Post discontinued its Milano Cortina coverage.
- Financial Loss: The Post recorded a loss of $77 million in the previous year.
- Buyouts: Over 60 journalists accepted voluntary buyouts in 2025.
Historical Significance of the Sports Desk
Historically, the Washington Post’s sports section set the standard for sports journalism. It featured notable writers like Shirley Povich and Thomas Boswell, contributing literary richness to sports coverage. The presence of pioneering female journalists like Christine Brennan reshaped the industry and established the Post as a leader in sports media.
Current Challenges Faced by the Sports Section
Today’s situation starkly contrasts with its illustrious past. Recent buyouts have particularly impacted long-serving staff members, contributing to a substantial loss of institutional memory and expertise. The turmoil can be traced back to the challenges faced after Will Lewis took over as publisher and CEO in late 2023. Since then, multiple rounds of layoffs have occurred across editorial and business departments.
If the sports desk closes, it would follow the example set by the New York Times, which ended its sports desk in July 2023. Unlike the Times, the Post lacks an alternative subscription sports site to provide coverage, such as The Athletic. The decision to withdraw from the Olympics represents much more than a financial decision; it reflects a loss of ambition and authority in a department that once thrived on those qualities.
Conclusion: A Loss Beyond Coverage
The potential shutdown of the sports desk at the Washington Post signals a troubling trend in journalism. It denotes not just a withdrawal from Olympic coverage but a deeper erosion of the institutional confidence that once made its sports section a pillar of American sports writing. The future remains uncertain as the Post navigates its financial struggles and seeks to maintain its legacy.
