BBC announces 41 job cuts across sports department amid £2.6m savings drive

The BBC is set to cut 41 roles across its sports department as part of a major cost-cutting drive at the corporation.

Five new positions will also be created, meaning the department will see a net reduction of 36 jobs.

The BBC has opened a voluntary redundancy process and will aim to make as many of the cuts as possible through the scheme.

The job losses are part of wider BBC cuts

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The move comes as the BBC faces what it has described as “significant financial pressures”, with the corporation also planning to decommission some television programmes and reduce its development spending.

In an internal note to staff seen by the Press Association, BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips set out plans to reduce commissioning spending by £80 million during the 2027-28 financial year.

Ms Phillips said the BBC expects around 100 roles to be cut from its content division by the end of the financial year.

The sports department cuts form part of a wider BBC restructuring programme which could see up to 2,000 jobs axed as the corporation looks to make £500 million in savings over two years.

It would represent the BBC's biggest round of job cuts in almost 15 years.

BBC News is also facing significant reductions, with around 550 roles across news and television and radio-related positions set to go.

Director-general Matt Brittin has said the cuts are expected to deliver around £160 million in savings.

The former Google executive also said the BBC would reduce the number of senior leaders by “at least” 10%, with the aim of making the organisation “simpler and faster”.

Matt Brittin took over as BBC director-general in May

PA Wire

Back in June, Brittin told staff in an email: “The scale of savings requires tough choices, careful work and won’t all be ready at once. We are committed to letting you know as soon as we have plans in your area. All divisions will be making significant savings…

“We live in very uncertain times. Our audiences rely on us every day to keep them informed, entertained and equipped to make sense of the world.

“Making savings while fulfilling our mission means a doubly difficult time for everyone. Do speak to your leaders and use the support that’s available. In the meantime, thank-you for all you are doing.”