SerpApi.Org
Pat McAfee is in line for a massive pay raise after the latest round of ESPN layoffs.
The network currently is in the midst of a gargantuan shuffle, with a number of high-profile names set to be devoid of a place to work. Among those names are longtime NFL analyst Ryan Clark and former NFL MVP Cam Newton, both of whom have been let go by the network.
Now, McAfee seemingly is the beneficiary of the layoffs, which have seen a number of his colleagues, including one who has been with the network for over 30 years, lose their job as a result of the merger between ESPN and the NFL.
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In early June 2026, The Athletic reported that McAfee and his representatives were discussing an extension with ESPN that was slated to pay the former NFL star more than $60 million annually. Sources told the outlet that the deal would be worth anywhere between $60 and $65 million and it could be a sliding scale depending on McAfee's responsibilities.
His current contract, which sees him hosting his popular daily show, a panelist on College GameDay, and his appearances on other shows, reportedly pays him $30 million annually.
Specifically for his daily show, the 39-year-old reportedly earns more than $17 million a year, though he is responsible for paying for all the contributors and sets used. He has a separate contract for College GameDay and the other shows he appears on, which brings his total to $30 million per year.
Because he does pay those working on his shows, and because of the money he gives to students, McAfee's actual take-home total is lower than the $30 million reported. That said, McAfee and Stephen A. Smith have firmly entrenched themselves as the faces of ESPN.
Recently, Smith signed a five-year, $100 milion contract with the network while also agreeing to a three-year, $36 million contract with SiriusXM to expand his reach past just sports. Smith's total range is $30 to $40 million per year.
Should the deal go through, McAfee would be the highest-paid commentator of all time.
Over the past two days, ESPN has fired Clark, who was reportedly let go while in the middle of taping NFL Live. Once his dismissal had been confirmed, the former NFL star quickly left the set and went on his way.
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Baseball commentator Karl Ravech was also among those let go, having spent the last 33 years with the network. Newton, the former NFL MVP while playing for the Carolina Panthers, was also fired in the latest round of cuts.
Longtime ESPN on-air personality David Lloyd also is reported to be among those caught in the latest round of layoffs. Lloyd had been an anchor since 1997 and a mainstay on SportsCenter.
Stephania Bell, who joined the network as an injury expert in 2008, is also expected to be dismissed. NFL insider Tom Pelissero also is expected to join the aforementioned names out the door as ESPN continues to restructure.
Clark had a message for those affected, posting on X, "Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN. So many of you have poured your life into that company, & I know how you’re feeling right now. My hope is as this door closes another opens for you all. God bless!"
