ESPN president John Skipper has announced his resignation, citing a problem with substance addiction.
Former ESPN president George Bodenheimer, who worked for the sports media company for more than 30 years, will step in as interim president.
The changes are effective immediately.
Mr Skipper said in a statement: "I come to this public disclosure with embarrassment, trepidation and a feeling of having let others I care about down."
"I have struggled for many years with a substance addiction. I have decided that the most important thing I can do right now is to take care of my problem."