Pat McAfee Reportedly in Talks for Huge ESPN Contract Renewal, Could Become ESPN’s Highest-Paid Employee

According to a report by The Athletic, WWE alumni and ESPN broadcaster Pat McAfee is in talks with ESPN for a huge new contract that could make him the highest-paid employee at the sports giant. Negotiations for McAfee’s new deal are said to be in the $60 to $65 million per year range.

TKO/WME executives Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro are representing McAfee for the talks. Additionally, it’s said that Emanuel and Shapiro initially started the talks seeking $100 million per year for McAfee.

McAfee’s current deal puts him in the $30 million per year range. However, it’s noted that some of that money goes to others, including contributors for his daily ESPN show. His current contract also reportedly has two years remaining, and it’s said to be divided between a licensing deal for The Pat McAfee Show and what ESPN pays him for his other roles. Also, his new contract would be structured similarly to this one.

The Athletic’s report also notes that McAfee’s new contract could have him appear on ESPN more than he already does, along with expanded duties in NFL coverage. McAfee has become a top star for ESPN between his daily show and role on ESPN’s College GameDay.

Additionally, McAfee made a return to WWE programming earlier this year. He was revealed as Randy Orton’s mystery caller, taking part in Orton’s feud with Cody Rhodes heading into WrestleMania 42. However, despite McAfee’s involvement in the Night 1 main event, Orton was unable to defeat Rhodes.

It’s rumored that McAfee opted out of continuing the storyline with Orton and Rhodes due to the backlash it received heading into WrestleMania 42.