ESPN Ditches Hall of Famer After 20 Years, Meanwhile Pat McAfee Questions Rich Eisen’s Hiring

Skip Bayless, Shannon Spake, Erin Andrews, and the list just goes on for the people who switched their loyalty from ESPN to its direct competitor after spending years at the legendary network. The latest to the list? A 20-year veteran at ESPN, who covered multiple landmark events, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Little League World Series, and was the face of women’s soccer coverage, quit the network when the next FIFA Women’s World Cup is just two years away.

Foudy, who has long been raising her voice for gender equality in sports, has been a pioneer in the rights of women in sports. So, when a network like ESPN parted ways with such an influential figure, it only raises one question: WHY? Be it her powerful stories on Katie Meyer or calling the men’s game when hardly any women did, the USWNT Hall of Famer has always shown up where it mattered. While there is no official statement from either party behind their 20-year-long breakup, a Front Office Report reveals what actually led to this split.

As per Ryan Glasspiegel and Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, “Foudy and ESPN failed to reach an agreement on a contract renewal, sources told Front Office Sports.” The report also revealed that ESPN declined to comment on Foudy’s exit. Although Foudy has also actively worked for TNT Network since 2023, her departure from ESPN has come at a point when she could be the face for the next two women’s World Cups for ESPN’s rival.

Just last year, giant streaming service Netflix secured the streaming rights for the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cups, making it the first time the tournament will appear on a streaming service in the United States. “She could be a natural fit for Netflix’s coverage of the 2027 and 2031 women’s World Cups. The streamer has exclusive U.S. rights in those years,” the FOS report read.

And while there is a pin-drop silence over recent cuts at ESPN, the network has silently added a veteran to its NFL panel, which may not be sitting well with Pat McAfee, who signed a $85 million, 5-year contract just last year to cover the same sport.

Top Comment by Journalism vs mcafee

This article should be a crime, and involved in a defamation case. I watch mcafees show everyday religiously and I’ve...more

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Why is Pat McAfee against Rich Eisen’s hiring?

Pat McAfee loves Rich Eisen, and he’s said that loud and clear. For instance, in 2023, he called Eisen an “inspiring pal” and a “genius” for his insightful commentary. However, when that inspirational person joined his channel, McAfee found it concerning.

Yes! When news dropped that Eisen’s show is landing back on ESPN, at the exact same noon-to-3 time slot as his, it definitely made him pause. He kept it classy, calling Eisen a good dude. But you could hear the curiosity in his tone as he said, “That’s a good timeslot. That feels very interesting.” In addition, he even questioned, “Noon-to-3 is fascinating, for sure. Is that a message? I don’t know….But nonetheless, we’re happy Rich is back.” The reasoning behind it is the overlap between their time slots.

While Eisen’s show will stream and possibly air on ESPN Radio, Pat McAfee’s crew goes live on the network’s main channel. That’s why one of his guys even joked, “You’ve got choices right there,” and McAfee took it in stride. He didn’t throw shade but made it clear that he sees what’s happening, and if this turns into a network chess match, he’s more than ready to play.