Kemo
05-11-2023, 07:12 AM
Pat McAfee's future with WWE remains uncertain amid reports that he could soon sign a deal with ESPN.
McAfee became a commentator for SmackDown in 2021 and his enthusiasm for the product proved to be a hit with fans. Pat further won over audiences with his impressive in-ring performance at WrestleMania 38, where he defeated Austin Theory.
In September of last year, it was announced that McAfee would be taking a break from his WWE duties for a role with ESPN's College GameDay. Since then, McAfee has appeared twice for WWE (as a commentator at the Royal Rumble and as a wrestler at WrestleMania 39.)
Away from the ring and ESPN, the former NFL punter hosts his massively popular Pat McAfee show on FanDuel. In March of this year, it was reported that Pat was considering walking away from his $120 million, four-year deal with FanDuel, adding that there are "a lot of new problems" that he needs to figure out. This week, the New York Post reports that ESPN is being considered a favorite to make an offer for McAfee's show.
In addition to sources close to the situation saying ESPN is a leading candidate, McAfee recently tweeted a photo with Disney CEO Bob Iger. During the Monday episode of his show, Pat said he was up to something, which he said would be announced in the next 10 days. This timeline also lines up with announcements for upcoming Disney programming which are scheduled for May 16.
Sources added that ESPN executives are willing to work with McAfee if it makes sense and can make money. There is no word on how much money McAfee would make on this deal, though it is expected to be at least an eight-figure number. There is also no word on how this will affect his standing with WWE, or when he will make a return to programming.
McAfee became a commentator for SmackDown in 2021 and his enthusiasm for the product proved to be a hit with fans. Pat further won over audiences with his impressive in-ring performance at WrestleMania 38, where he defeated Austin Theory.
In September of last year, it was announced that McAfee would be taking a break from his WWE duties for a role with ESPN's College GameDay. Since then, McAfee has appeared twice for WWE (as a commentator at the Royal Rumble and as a wrestler at WrestleMania 39.)
Away from the ring and ESPN, the former NFL punter hosts his massively popular Pat McAfee show on FanDuel. In March of this year, it was reported that Pat was considering walking away from his $120 million, four-year deal with FanDuel, adding that there are "a lot of new problems" that he needs to figure out. This week, the New York Post reports that ESPN is being considered a favorite to make an offer for McAfee's show.
In addition to sources close to the situation saying ESPN is a leading candidate, McAfee recently tweeted a photo with Disney CEO Bob Iger. During the Monday episode of his show, Pat said he was up to something, which he said would be announced in the next 10 days. This timeline also lines up with announcements for upcoming Disney programming which are scheduled for May 16.
Sources added that ESPN executives are willing to work with McAfee if it makes sense and can make money. There is no word on how much money McAfee would make on this deal, though it is expected to be at least an eight-figure number. There is also no word on how this will affect his standing with WWE, or when he will make a return to programming.