Pat McAfee has emerged as a new ESPN mainstay. McAfee’s presence throughout the network is unmatched, from the Pat McAfee Show on weekdays to ESPN’s College GameDay program to an alternate NBA Finals broadcast. ESPN is attempting to retain McAfee in the long run, with record viewership coming in from his broadcasts.
The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand revealed on Tuesday that the two parties were negotiating a contract extension for about $65 million. McAfee would become the highest-paid employee in network history as a result of this agreement.
🚨NEWS: Pat McAfee, ESPN negotiating $60M per year deal, The Athletic has learned.https://t.co/NuH6UqEVn7
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) June 9, 2026
From 2005 to 2008, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native played collegiate football under Rich Rodriguez at West Virginia.
During his four seasons with the Mountaineers, McAfee excelled in field goals, kickoffs, and punting. in various stages during his collegiate football career, he was a candidate for the Lou Groza and Ray Guy Awards.
The Indianapolis Colts selected McAfee 222nd overall in the 2009 NFL draft. He was a member of the Colts for all eight of his NFL seasons, making it to two Pro Bowls in 2014 and 2016.
McAfee founded the Pat McAfee Show following his football retirement. Barstool Sports on Sirius XM, DAZN, Pat McAfee Inc., and Mad Dog Sports Radio on Sirius XM were among the several networks that initially hosted the show.
