McAfee’s Bold Statements
Not everyone associated with WWE has positive remarks about ESPN. Former WWE commentator and current ESPN host Pat McAfee took aim at some mid-level executives at ESPN following the announcement of a new partnership between WWE and the network, allowing ESPN to broadcast wrestling’s premium live events.
In a post on X, McAfee expressed his excitement: “Congrats to the @WWE and @espn on getting a historic PLE deal done.”
Details of the Deal
As a result of this partnership, which is valued at $1.6 billion and spans five years, ESPN will air key WWE events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and the Royal Rumble. This aligns with the launch of ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer service later this month.
McAfee’s Challenges with ESPN
McAfee, whose involvement with WWE commentary diminished earlier this year due to other commitments, has previously clashed with ESPN executives. He alleged that Norby Williamson, the former executive editor and head of event and studio production, attempted to undermine his show in 2024. Williamson departed ESPN in January.
Last February, McAfee famously remarked, “I don’t got a motherf–king boss,” highlighting his frustrations with the network.
A Growing Presence
Following the new WWE deal, McAfee’s role at ESPN is expected to expand. The partnership signifies collaboration between two major forces in sports and entertainment, despite any potential pushback from unnamed executives.
“Great to see 2 powerhouses of sports and entertainment come together,” McAfee noted. He also stated that he anticipates that “the mid-level, powerless, bum ass suits at ESPN will attempt to muddy this somehow,” but expressed confidence that the agreement will prove beneficial for the network moving forward.
