Pat McAfee in talks for massive new ESPN deal reportedly worth $60-65M per year

Pat McAfee is reportedly negotiating a new contract with ESPN that could pay him $60–65 million annually, according to The Athletic. McAfee is represented by TKO/WME executives Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro, who initially sought $100 million per year to gain leverage; McAfee currently earns roughly $30 million a year under a two-year remaining deal split between licensing for The Pat McAfee Show and other ESPN duties. The proposed agreement would maintain a similar structure, potentially expand his NFL responsibilities and would make him the highest-paid employee at ESPN.

McAfee’s status with WWE remains uncertain after a controversial role in WrestleMania 42, which he said concluded his storyline and led him to step away from further involvement; increased ESPN commitments would likely rule out a return to full-time commentary. With ESPN and WWE partnering on U.S. premium live events, ESPN could still use McAfee to promote WWE programming, and McAfee has also been focused on family life after welcoming his second child in late May.

Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/pat-mcafee-reportedly-in-talks-for-massive-new-espn-deal/