Struggling ESPN lays off about 100 employees, including big names like Trent Dilfer, Danny Kennell

The sports broadcasting network which brands itself as ''Worldwide Leader in Sports" laid off nearly 100 employees on Wednesday.Some of the prominent people let go were former NBA player Len Elmore, former N.F.L. players Danny Kanell and Trent Dilfer and the N.F.L. reporter Ed Werder.

The move is being viewed as one designed to cut costs and realign the sports network in an age of online media. ESPN is one of the greatest sports broadcasting network and employs about 8,000 people around the world.

However, it has lost more than 10 million subscribers over the past several years as people have started viewing sports online. At the same time, the cost of broadcasting most of the major sports have continued to rise and the network's problems have been compounded by the billions of dollars it spent in recent years on rights deals with major sports leagues and college conferences.

For 17 yrs I've had a dream job covering baseball for ESPN. Today is my last day. Thanks to all the great people at ESPN, MLB & all of you!

— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) April 26, 2017

The company is now set to enhance its online presence and is focusing more on its ESPN app to increase its subscribers.

Poured my heart and soul into ESPN for last 8 years. Moved my wife and 3 kids to CT to go "all in" 5 years ago. Bummed it ended in 3 minutes

— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 26, 2017

After 17 years reporting on #NFL, I've been informed that I'm being laid off by ESPN effective immediately. I have no plans to retire

— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) April 26, 2017

Hey @Espn, great job firing everyone that covers hockey on your network.... oh wait... you haven't cared about hockey since 1980.

— Happy Gilmore (@_Happy_Gilmore) April 26, 2017

Today is a #HEARTBREAKING DAY for so many talented ppl that I have had the honor to know & work with over the yrs @espn Wish u the BEST!

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) April 26, 2017