Friday, October 23, 2026

Amazon Cuts 18K Jobs with Big Sports Decisions Looming

  • Amazon is investing heavily in sports as it cuts back in other areas.
  • The company will lay off more than 18,000 employees in devices, retail, and recruiting.
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CLIFFORD OTO/ USA TODAY NETWORK

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As Amazon looks to grow its sports presence, it’s cutting back in other areas.

The e-commerce and technology giant is laying off more than 18,000 employees as it adjusts to uncertain economic times, CEO Andy Jassy said in a letter to the company’s employees.

  • The reduction will be concentrated among corporate workers, representing around 5% of that group and 1.2% of Amazon’s 1.5 million total workforce.
  • Amazon said in November it would trim around 10,000 jobs, mostly in devices, recruiting, and physical stores — cuts included in the 18,000 total.
  • With a small dip to start the new year, Amazon’s stock is down 49% over the past 12 months. It has lost around $1 trillion in market cap since its July 2021 peak. 
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Sports Spending

Despite the layoffs, Amazon shows no signs of slowing its growth in sports.

Its priciest sports property is its $1 billion-per-year deal for “Thursday Night Football,” but it also recently inked a three-year pact for Overtime Elite, adding to deals with the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, among others.

The company is also a potential contender for NBA media rights after losing out on “NFL Sunday Ticket” to Google’s YouTube TV.

Amazon is reportedly working on a dedicated sports app.

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