Pat McAfee has got some fresh news to spill about his new adventure with ESPN. Launched back in 2019, with A. J. Hawk, Boston Connor, Tome Digs, and others, the show recently left the 4-year contract signed with FanDuel, despite taking a huge pay cut along the way. The show was on its 2nd year with the company, with a $120 million deal, yet took a less-compensated deal with ESPN for only $85 million in a 5-year period.
This deal took the fandom by storm, sparking numerous speculations, but the ex-Colts remained resolute in his decision. After a few months since the initial decision, the sports analyst finally came out with an update on his show, with an official date.
Pat McAfee announces the official start date!
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Although this new deal with ESPN is disappointingly lower in terms of annual pay, there are significant benefits for both the show and its fans. For instance, McAfee’s deal is even $5 million more than Stephen A. Smith’s, who’s been with ESPN for ages. McAfee will also be able to control all aspects of the show, even inviting non-ESPN guests. About 230 fully produced shows will be developed by the former NFL star in a year. After a few months following the announcement, McAfee took to his YouTube Channel to announce his kickoff date with the media giant.
The video starts with the ex-Colts saying, “On September 7th, we will be launching on ESPN, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok,” followed by, “We are so incredibly pumped and thankful.” He then added that the show will cover the Lions visiting the Chiefs for this NFL season kick-off. He further added that they will be live on ESPN from noon to 2 and noon to 3 on YouTube, Twitter, and on other platforms as well. McAfee also thanked every one of his fans for being a part of this journey.
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In the same video, the sports analyst also brought up ESPN’s press release, which showcases the 6-hour block, with their show being one of them, with the time schedule of Noon-2 pm ET. He also brought up why the media giant has decided to broadcast the show on multiple streaming sites.
TV consumption fell below 50%!
Discussing their approach for the debut across multiple platforms, McAfee shared a tweet from Front Office Sports highlighting that 50% of Americans didn’t watch TV in July while streaming reached a record high. He pointed out that ESPN already wields substantial online influence, with their YouTube channel attracting considerable fan attention. McAfee also praised ESPN’s openness to new ideas and their generosity throughout the deal, emphasizing that the show’s crew maintains full control over the upcoming 10-hour broadcast, covering a wide range of sports for the audience.
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In recent times, ESPN has undergone significant layoffs, letting go of prominent figures. Amid ongoing restructuring, it’s clear that McAfee will continue to play a significant role in ESPN’s future.
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