Washington Post May Eliminate Sports Section Amid Financial Struggles: Report
The Washington Post is considering the elimination of its entire sports section as financial challenges mount. Management recently informed staff that it would not cover the 2026 Winter Olympics just weeks before the event. This abrupt decision shocked many journalists who had already made extensive preparations for the Games.
Impact of the Decision
According to a report by Puck News journalist Dylan Byers, significant layoffs are expected at the newspaper. The sports desk is reportedly at risk of being shut down, alongside drastic cuts to the foreign desk. Employees have expressed disappointment over the timing and content of these decisions.
- Recent Changes: The managing editor, Kimi Yoshino, announced that the paper would not send reporters to the Milano Cortina Games.
- Costs Incurred: Many reporters had already incurred expenses, including housing costs, totaling at least $80,000.
History of Olympic Coverage
Typically, The Washington Post sends between 10 and 20 journalists to cover the Olympics. For the recent Paris Summer Games, they dispatched a record 26 staff members. This year, they had secured 14 credentials for the Winter Olympics, highlighting their shift in coverage priorities.
Financial Context
The potential closure of the sports section reflects ongoing financial difficulties for The Washington Post. Under the leadership of Will Lewis, who became publisher and CEO in late 2023, the publication reported a staggering $77 million loss in the previous year. The situation worsened in 2024, leading to projected losses of $100 million.
Staffing Challenges
The Washington Post Guild reported that at least 60 journalists took buyouts in 2025, contributing to a broader trend of departures across several departments. This reflects the ongoing industry challenges caused by audience fragmentation and rapid technological change.
The potential elimination of the sports section marks a significant transformation for The Washington Post, known historically for producing influential sports journalists. With a legacy that includes notable writers, this decision signals a profound shift in the newspaper’s future.
