Just a few months ago, it appeared FOX was set to have serious competition for Skip Bayless, who will soon be looking for a new contract. But with sports media companies ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, it doesn’t bode well for Bayless’ ability to land a lucrative deal.
“This is the worst timing ever for Skip,” an unnamed media executive told Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports.
Bayless is set to see his 4-year $25million deal with FOX expire in September and he was hoping for a pay increase, but now he might struggle to maintain his annual salary of nearly $6 million. In recent months, ESPN and DAZN were both labeled as suitors for Bayless, but like most sports media companies, they too have felt the negative impacts of COVID-19.
DAZN, led by Bayless’ former FS1 and ESPN boss Jamie Horowitz, furloughed its entire live event staff in April, while ESPN personnel agreed to pay cuts between 15-30%. Similarly, most FOX Sports on-air talent took a temporary 15% pay reduction.
In November, ESPN was reported to be interested in reuniting Stephen A. Smith and his ex-First Take partner, Skip Bayless. Smith and Bayless worked together on First Take from 2012 – 2016, before Skip made the move to FOX. Last year, ESPN made Smith their highest paid employee with an annual salary of nearly $8 million, which is likely similar to the contract Bayless expected to seek.
Although FS1’s Undisputed is significantly out-rated by ESPN’s First Take, approximately 150,000 viewers to 414,000, FOX still sees value in debate shows, even with live sports on hold. Without ESPN and DAZN able to bid, Bayless loses two of his strongest bargaining chips. Still, it would seem unlikely for FOX to expect Skip to take a pay cut in his next contract.
