The National Basketball Association isn’t the only entity experiencing a free agency period.
Last month, Shannon Sharpe parted ways with Undisputed and FOX Sports. Shortly thereafter, ESPN signed Pat McAfee and cut ties with nearly two dozen on-air personalities, including Max Kellerman and Jalen Rose.
“Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun,” a spokesperson for ESPN said after the most recent round of layoffs.
“This exercise will include a small group of job cuts in the short term and an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead. This is an extremely challenging process, involving individuals who have had a tremendous impact on our company. These difficult decisions, based more on overall efficiency than merit, will help us meet our financial targets and ensure future growth.”
Those who have said their final goodbyes at the worldwide leader in sports have already hit sports media free agency, including Keyshawn Johnson. Andrew Marchand of The New York Post has identified the former NFL star as a potential replacement for Sharpe at FS1.
“The news isn’t all bad for Johnson as only a year ago, he signed a five-year deal in the neighborhood of $18 million – and he will be able to collect all of it,” Marchand stated.
“Johnson also may become a top candidate to replace Shannon Sharpe as Skip Bayless’ debater on FS1’s Undisputed. He already lives in Los Angeles, where the show is filmed.”
Johnson nor FS1 have commented on the matter, but it remains a possibility, according to Marchand.
