Pat McAfee Show ‘is heading to ESPN in a multimillion dollar deal worth more than eight figures a YEAR’, with the host set to walk out on four-year, $120m FanDuel contract
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The Pat McAfee show is heading to ESPN in a multimillion dollar deal that will kick off this fall, the former NFL player announced himself on his eponymous show, Tuesday.
The exact figure that McAfee – a former NFL punter with the Indianapolis Colts – will be paid is ‘more than eight figures per year’, according to multiple outlets.
Prior to his switch to big network cable, McAfee was in the second year of his four-year, $120million FanDuel contract though it now appears that’ll walk away from the terms he signed back in December 2021.
McAfee’s show is expected to play on YouTube – a key attraction to maintaining and growing its followers – ESPN and ESPN+ at the same time.
On Tuesday, McAfee, who’s only played for the Colts in his seven seasons in the NFL, announced the big switch in a teaser.
The acquisition of McAfee’s show is a major win for ESPN amid a series of significant layoffs at the sports network – owned by Disney. In February, it was announced that 7,000 employees would be laid off at the Mickey Mouse company.
McAfee, 36, is set to appear at a presentation organized by ESPN in New York City later on Tuesday, according to sources. ESPN has not yet formally announced its acquisition of the show but is expected to so within the next business day.
The network’s executives, who are under the order of Disney CEO Bob Iger, have vowed to take a gamble on McAfee’s show, only if they thought it increase the company’s profit margins.
McAfee, who’s known for excessively cussing live on his show, appeared to suggest that he wouldn’t change his ways if ESPN came calling but it remains to be seen if the former NFL punter will finally get in line with house rules now that his broadcast is finally part of the sports network’s extensive catalog.
If McAfee does continue his unrestrained use of foul language, then it might mean that the Disney deal is some sort of licensing agreement. What’s more is that the football analyst insists on having ‘full creative control’.
He’s also expecting to bring his entire crew with him, such as Pro Bowl linebacker A.J. Hawk and several of his broadcasting friends who frequently appear in panel discussions on the show.
McAfee came into the NFL in 2009 after being selected in the seventh round and played for the Colts up until 2016.
After retiring seven years ago, the two-time Pro Bowl selection announced his decision to join Barstool Sports to kick off his career in media and entertainment.
He then went on to appear on ESPN, FOX Sports, DAZN, SiriusXM, Westwood One and his biggest deal, up to date, FanDuel.
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