ESPN and representatives for Pat McAfee are “discussing an extension to his contract that would pay him more than” $60M per year, according to sources cited by Andrew Marchand of THE ATHLETIC. The deal is “not yet completed,” and if an agreement can be reached, it “could be a sliding scale based on McAfee’s new responsibilities.” Sources said that McAfee “could be on the air even more, with a bigger role in NFL coverage a possibility.” Sources added that the two sides are currently between $60M-65M per year. Sources noted that McAfee has two years remaining on his current contract, which approaches the $30M mark per year between his production agreement for his daily show, his “College GameDay” panelist role and his appearances on other programs. ESPN has viewed the arrangement as “a production contract and a separate ‘talent’ agreement,” differentiating it from deals with other on-air personalities. Three years ago, McAfee negotiated his original ESPN deal himself but now has some of the “heaviest hitters in the game” representing him with TKO Group CEO Ari Emanuel and President & COO Mark Shapiro. Sources noted that negotiations “always start with higher expectations to gain leverage,” as Emanuel and Shapiro’s initial proposal to ESPN was for $100M per year. News of McAfee’s potential extension negotiations was first reported by Front Office Sports (THE ATHLETIC, 6/9).
Report: McAfee, ESPN discussing extension worth more than $60M annually
