According to reports from The New York Post, former NFL punter turned media personality, Pat McAfee is nearing a significant deal with ESPN. The contract would see McAfee move his popular show, “The Pat McAfee Show,” from FanDuel to ESPN, earning him an impressive salary of “more than eight figures per year.” The agreement is expected to take effect in the upcoming fall season.
McAfee’s rise to fame began with his regular contributions to ESPN’s “College GameDay” and his hosting of college football alternate broadcasts in collaboration with Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions. Simultaneously, his personal show on YouTube, “The Pat McAfee Show,” gained substantial traction and became a major success.
Wade Barrett temporarily filled in during his absence from WWE SmackDown, where McAfee served as a color commentator. While originally planned to return after the football season, McAfee made sporadic appearances, including a surprise match at WrestleMania 39.
Although official details of McAfee’s ESPN deal are yet to be confirmed, sources indicate that it will be a multi-million dollar agreement. Currently, in the second year of his four-year, $120 million contract with FanDuel, McAfee’s move to ESPN signifies a significant career milestone.
While making the move to ESPN, “The Pat McAfee Show” is anticipated to maintain a presence on YouTube, potentially incorporating segments that will also be aired on ESPN. McAfee’s attendance at the Disney Upfronts event indicates that an official announcement regarding the show’s future may be imminent.
Amidst Disney’s ongoing layoffs, which include 7,000 job cuts, including positions at ESPN, Pat McAfee’s substantial contract showcases the network’s unwavering dedication to acquiring premier talent in the fiercely competitive sports media industry.
