Pat McAfee In Talks To Make Massive Television Jump

WWE fans love hearing Pat McAfee’s voice on commentary, but the man hasn’t been around very often. Although he did make a WrestleMania cameo, Pat McAfee does a lot of appearances elsewhere nowadays, and he might have an even bigger deal in the pipeline.

The New York Post reports that Pat McAfee is in talks to leave his position at FanDuel and sign a deal with ESPN. McAfee recently made a surprise return to WWE at WrestleMania 39, following a hiatus to work as a weekly panelist on ESPN’s College Gameday.

As Pat McAfee contemplates walking away from his $120 million deal with FanDuel, ESPN has emerged as the leading candidate to be the home for his daily show, The Post has learned.

McAfee, 36, has become a multi-platform sensation with his “Pat McAfee Show” on YouTube, his work as a WWE performer and as a “College GameDay” panelist, but now he is working toward a larger relationship with ESPN. 

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No deal is finalized. McAfee did not return messages. ESPN declined comment.

Although he briefly returned to WWE commentary at the Royal Rumble 2023, he has not been a regular commentator alongside Michael Cole since then. Pat McAfee and Michael Cole are friends in real life, and Cole has been on McAfee’s show a couple of times as well.

While there has been no official confirmation from ESPN or Pat McAfee, it is reported that an announcement of the move could come as soon as the Upfronts on May 16th. McAfee has also recently been seen posing for a photo with Disney’s Bob Iger, adding fuel to speculation about a potential move to ESPN.

The former NFL punter’s charisma and ability to talk brought him to broadcasting after his career on the gridiron came to an end. Obviously, all that hard work on the microphone is paying off.

Pat McAfee signed a tremendous deal with FanDuel, one that saw them pay for an incredible studio and give him a huge upfront. We are unclear what will happen in the future, but Pat seems to get high-dollar deals thrown at him.

What’s your take on Pat McAfee’s new deal with ESPN? Will it make you want to watch more often? Sound off in the comments!