Pat McAfee could be on the verge of a massive new deal with ESPN.
The former Indianapolis Colts punter who has turned “The Pat McAfee Show” into one of the country’s biggest daily sports shows via ESPN and its YouTube platform is in discussions about a lucrative extension.
McAfee could be paid more than $60 million per year as part of the new contract, according to a report by The Athletic on Tuesday, June 9, and it would potentially entail the 39-year-old taking on a bigger role in NFL coverage at the network.
McAfee currently has two years left on his current deal with ESPN, according to The Athletic. It includes a licensing and production agreement for his daily show and additional compensation for his appearances as an analyst on “College GameDay” and other ESPN shows. The report states the extension being negotiated by McAfee’s representatives, if completed, could be worth more than double his current deal.
McAfee initially signed with ESPN three years ago, leaving a deal with gambling company FanDuel early after previously serving as only a contributor to “College GameDay” and the network’s college football programming. His agreement simulcast “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN and ESPN+, while still still streaming on McAfee’s YouTube channel. It also featured McAfee hosting alternate broadcasts of major sporting events, like the College Football Playoff and most recently, NBA Finals Game 3.
In addition to McAfee’s exclusive interviews with Aaron Rodgers, which helped fuel his rise in popularity, he also recently hosted a primetime special in which he interviewed six major sports commissioners: Adam Silver (NBA), Rob Manfred (MLB), Gary Bettman (NHL), Cathy Engelbert (WNBA), Don Garber (MLS) and Dana White (UFC).
McAfee’s time at ESPN has not been without controversy, however. He notably had to apologize to University of Mississippi student Mary Kate Cornett nearly five months after he discussed an unsupported rumor about her romantic life on “The Pat McAfee Show.” He also apologized for a comment about Caitlin Clark in 2024 that he said he intended as a compliment.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pat McAfee ESPN contract negotiations: What to know after new report
