Pat McAfee, ESPN getting early start on contract talks with years left on $85 million deal

Pat McAfee is likely sticking around at the WorldWide Leader.The ESPN host and former Colts punter is in early talks to extend his contract with the network, Front Office Sports reported.McAfee, whose eponymous show has become a ratings hit for ESPN, previously joined the network in 2023 on a deal worth around $85 million over five years.The deal includes costs for “The Pat McAfee Show”, which is licensed by ESPN, as well as McAfee’s work as an analyst on “College GameDay.”A source told FOS that McAfee’s potential new deal being finalized “wasn’t imminent,” as it doesn’t expire for another two years.Prior to moving to ESPN, McAfee signed a four-year, $120 million sponsorship deal for his show with FanDuel in 2021.However, the show walked away from that deal early upon joining ESPN.With ESPN’s backing, McAfee’s show has become even more influential, as Aaron Rodgers was previously a weekly guest.And the commissioners from the MLB, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLS and UFC all appeared last week for a “Primetime State of Sports.”...