As we previously reported here on eWn, Pat McAfee signed a new multiplatform deal with ESPN earlier this month that will see “The Pat McAfee Show” move to ESPN, the ESPN YouTube Channel, the ESPN App, and ESPN+.
The New York Post is reporting that the deal runs for five years and is worth $85 million.
The deal will fetch McAfee around $17 million per year and includes him working as an analyst on ESPN College GameDay.
McAfee will keep control of his show in all aspects, including the guests he wants to invite to his show. The former NFL punter reportedly agreed to cut down on the hard profanity.
McAfee said, “I will be paying my people and we will be producing the show fully. [ESPN] will be handling a lot more of the backend stuff, while also providing a platform that is incomparable linear wise with a network of talent that is deep and awesome. Their production assets, league rights capabilities, and access to everything in the sports world makes us incredibly pumped about the possibilities and can’t wait to get started this fall. Jimmy and I had a lot of great convos thru this whole process.. some zooms, calls (WHADD), texts (WHADD), emails (WHADD). it was a cool couple of months negotiation phase involving a lot of different factors. Business obviously, creative, the future, previous situations for both of us, etc… Fun to hear his vision and listen to him. IMPRESSIVE executive. He’s always been a straight shooter with me, I’m thankful for his belief in me, and in us…”
When asked why he parted ways with FanDuel, McAfee said,
“FanDuel was our shows’ exclusive SportsBook partner. SeatGeek is our exclusive ticketing partner. 5 Hour Energy is our exclusive energy shot partner.. etc… etc.. We were lucky to be a partner of theirs for a lot of GREAT times.. it was genuinely just to make our life easier behind the scenes. There’s still a chance we’ll be doing business with each other down the road. FD will always have success. A lot of GREAT folks there. I’m thankful for them.”
