Long-running ESPN show ending after 22 years from next week with future of top stars in doubt
A long-running program that has been on ESPN for 22 years is being discontinued.
As they develop their new initiatives, the stars’ future is also uncertain.
For over twenty years, ESPN New York’s afternoon drive has featured The Michael Kay Show.
However, according to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, the final performance in a significant reorganization will take place on December 13.
At noon, Kay will now broadcast a new show by himself.
As part of a new program, his co-hosts Peter Rosenburg and Don La Greca will continue to host in the afternoon.
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Marchand said that Alan Hahn would be joining them.
However, according to the source, there is still uncertainty around the contracts that have not yet been completed.
Since its debut in 2022, Kay has called every play for the New York Yankees on YES Network.
Kay’s afternoon show has already been simulcast on the network by YES.
However, whether the baseball voice will remain a part of YES in his new role is yet unknown.
As it shifts to a lineup driven by stars, ESPN has been making significant changes.
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According to reports, Stephen A. Smith and the network have reached a new agreement worth over $100 million.
Pat McAfee’s five-year contract with ESPN pays him almost $85 million.
Additionally, Peyton Manning agreed to a lucrative nine-year contract with the organization.
Up until 2034, his Omaha Productions will keep creating programming for ESPN.
Additionally, ESPN revealed significant updates to its Disney Plus app that improve integration with the sports channel.
New rights deal
Three networks and the NBA inked an 11-year agreement for the league’s rights starting in 2025–2026.
Additionally, for the first time since the network’s 1988 debut, TNT will not be hosting any games.
ESPN and ABC will continue to broadcast the league’s 80 regular-season games, according to The Walt Disney Company.
The NBA Finals will continue to be held there, along with about 18 playoff games from the first and second rounds and a Conference Finals series for ten of the eleven years.
For the first time since 2002, NBC will broadcast the NBA again.
Up to 100 games will be broadcast on the network’s channels and Peacock streaming service each season.
In addition, it will host NBA All-Star games and include about 28 first- and second-round playoff games.
NBC will alternate with upstart broadcaster Amazon Prime to telecast one Conference Finals Series for six of the eleven years.
66 NBA regular-season games, including one on Black Friday, will be available on Amazon.
The complete Play-In Tournament and the final stages of the NBA Cup are also available on the streaming service.
Additionally, about one-third of the first- and second-round playoff games will be televised on Prime.
In recent years, the network has negotiated long-term agreements with the NBA and the NFL.
Due to the NFL contract, ABC will broadcast the Super Bowl twice before 2030.
23 regular-season games and a few postseason games are currently televised by ESPN.
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As the primary commentators of Monday Night Football, Joe Buck and Troy Aikman joined the network from Fox.
Additionally, ABC will continue to host the NBA Finals as part of the NBA agreement that begins next year.
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