Utah Jazz announce layoffs due to COVID-19 pandemic

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz announced Friday that the organization has laid off employees in its business and operations departments.

While not announcing how many employees were affected by the layoffs, the team released a statement Friday.

“Due to the prolonged economic impact from COVID-19 and the streamlined restructuring associated with the transition to new ownership, LHM Sports & Entertainment has made the difficult decision to eliminate some furloughed and active positions in its Jazz and arena business operations,” the statement read.

The Jazz are still in the process of being sold by the Miller family to Ryan Smith. No timetable has been announced on when the transaction may take place.

The layoffs comes just days after the organization signed guard Donovan Mitchell to a five-year contract extension worth $195 million. Utah also inked free agent Jordan Clarkson to a 4-year, $52 million dollar deal in November.

Soon after the pandemic began, and then a few months later, the Jazz originally began laying off employees. Officials did not say whether the laid off employees will be considered should the organization begin rehiring following the pandemic.

“We thank these individuals for their years of service and contributions to the organization. They will receive wages and applicable health benefits through the end of the year, as well as outplacement services, and be offered a severance package.”