Pat McAfee is considering leaving his $120 million deal with FanDuel to sign with ESPN, the New York Post reports.
ESPN has emerged as the leading candidate to be the new home for McAfee’s podcast, which has gained popularity across multiple platforms, including YouTube, WWE, and “College GameDay.”
A deal is yet to be finalized and neither McAfee nor ESPN have commented on the report.
McAfee is currently in the second year of his four-year deal with FanDuel and has given indications of leaving, including removing the FanDuel logo from his show and not appearing in their Super Bowl ads.
While the value of McAfee’s potential deal with ESPN is unknown, it is expected to be in the eight-figure-a-year ballpark. Furthermore, the value of the contract may be less than the $30 million+ a year McAfee makes with FanDuel.
ESPN sources have indicated that the deal with McAfee will go through only if it makes financial sense.
The new deal comes at a time when Disney has laid off 7,000 people, including some at ESPN. McAfee has previously worked with ESPN for college football broadcasts.
On Tuesday, McAfee said on his show that something big will be announced in the next 10 days. Disney’s Upfront presentation for advertisers happens to be on May 16.
