Pat McAfee, the charismatic and imaginative former WWE star, has made headlines with his impressive five-year deal with ESPN, worth a staggering $85 million. The deal, which was announced recently, sees McAfee leaving his position as color commentator on Friday Night Smackdown to focus on his new role with the sports network. As part of his new deal, McAfee will be paid $17 million every year, a figure that highlights the enormity of the contract.
Speaking about his new deal, McAfee expressed his excitement and gratitude, stating that he will be paying his people and producing the show fully, while ESPN will handle the backend stuff and provide a platform that is incomparable linear wise. He also praised the network’s production assets, league rights capabilities, and access to everything in the sports world, saying that they make his team incredibly pumped about the possibilities.
In related news, McAfee was last seen on WWE television during the Royal Rumble and has been absent since, with some speculating that his departure was in part due to his new ESPN commitments. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that McAfee is thriving in his career right now, and his new deal is a testament to his growing influence and popularity.
Pat McAfee (Via WWE/Twitter)
Notably, McAfee’s departure from WWE also allows him to further distance himself from his rivalries, particularly with AEW Double Or Nothing, which he recently took a shot at for their empty seats. However, for McAfee, it seems that his newfound success and financial security are all that matter at the moment.
Fans are eagerly waiting to see what McAfee has in store for them as part of his new deal with ESPN, and it’s clear that he is poised to make a significant impact in sports broadcasting. With his talent, charisma, and now his impressive deal, McAfee is undoubtedly one of the most exciting names in the sports world today.
