Pat McAfee, ESPN reportedly near deal worth over $60 million, making him among highest paid in biz

This would make McAfee the highest-paid sports personality ever.

Published: June 9, 2026 12:36pm

ESPN and sports media personality Pat McAfee are in talks on a contract extension that could pay the popular host between $60 million and $65 million annually, according to sources cited by The Athletic.

McAfee, who currently has two years remaining on a deal worth nearly $30 million per year, could see his pay more than double under the proposed contract. Sources told The Athletic that the new contract could include expanded responsibilities, including a larger role in ESPN's NFL coverage.

McAfee has become one of ESPN's most prominent personalities alongside Stephen A. Smith, whose recent contract exceeds $100 million over five years. The former NFL placekicker turned media star hosts the daily three-hour “The Pat McAfee Show” and is a main personality on “College Gameday”, the network's premier pregame college football show.

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