Which major American newspaper laid off about one-third of its staff in February 2026, including its entire sports department?

In February 2026, the venerable American newspaper, The Washington Post, undertook a significant restructuring that involved laying off approximately one-third of its entire staff. Among the most notable changes was the complete elimination of its dedicated sports department, a move that sent ripples through the journalism industry. These widespread job cuts, impacting hundreds of employees across various departments, were announced as part of a strategic reset by the paper's leadership.

The drastic measures at The Washington Post stemmed from ongoing financial difficulties, including reported losses exceeding $100 million in 2024. The newspaper has also faced challenges with declining digital subscriptions and a significant drop in organic search traffic, partly attributed to the rise of AI-generated content. Beyond the sports desk, other areas affected by the layoffs included the books section, which was also shuttered, and significant reductions in international and local news coverage. The daily "Post Reports" podcast was also suspended.

This restructuring signals a major shift in the Post (Review)'s editorial direction and business model. While some sports reporters were retained to cover sports as a broader "cultural and societal phenomenon" within the features department, the traditional beat reporting and in-depth coverage that defined its sports section largely ceased. The layoffs reflect a broader struggle within the news industry to adapt to changing consumption habits and economic pressures, with many questioning the future of specialized journalism in this evolving landscape.