ESPN Plans Pat McAfee Contract Extension Beyond 2028

ESPN is committed to retaining Pat McAfee beyond his current five-year, $85 million licensing contract that extends through 2028, according to Burke Magnus, ESPN's president of content. Magnus praised McAfee's impact, highlighting his role as an incredible interviewer and his ability to attract high-profile athletes and executives to his show, which has seen significant year-over-year viewership growth. McAfee has also enhanced ESPN's College GameDay with the popular Pat McAfee Kicking Contest, helping maintain the program's competitive edge against Fox's Big Noon Kickoff. Despite controversies, ESPN leadership, including chairman Jimmy Pitaro, has consistently supported McAfee, reflecting his importance to the network's daytime lineup and brand. The network acknowledges the evolving sports media landscape, where individual personalities like McAfee drive viewership and carry their own brands. Discussions about extending McAfee's partnership with ESPN are ongoing, with the network valuing his continued influence and contribution to its programming.