ESPN executive knew signing Pat McAfee would make fans 'uncomfortable'

Pat McAfee is one of the biggest sports media stars on the planet but even ESPN execs new what would happen when bringing him onto the network.

ESPN chair Jimmy Pitaro knew it would make some fans “uncomfortable,” to put it bluntly. But, the network saw an opportunity to expand its audience and appeal to more people who want to consume their sports coverage in a different way.

McAfee is certainly a new-age host in the ever evolving world of sports media.

“We knew licensing Pat’s show would make some people uncomfortable, and as we head on this path and on this journey with ‘The Pat McAfee Show,’ and there are going to be issues,” Pitaro said, via Sports Business Journal. “And we address those issues as they come and as they arise, and we address them internally.”

Pitaro also noted the viewership and consumption data is up when you factor in winning the younger audience’s attention.

“We are in a battle for people’s time, and as a part of that, we are trying to attract a younger audience,” Pitaro said. “Pat does just that. He is authentic, and he resonates with younger people. That is confirmed by our research; we see it consistently that he is moving the needle.”

Pat McAfee won’t apologize for who he is, ESPN embraces it

McAfee, while entertaining with his cast of “stooges” as the show puts it, drew criticism throughout his first almost-year with the network. He previously called out former ESPN executive Norby Williamson for leaking ratings and accused him of sabotage.

There’s the weekly Aaron Rodgers interview during the football season, which went in many different directions, especially once Rodgers was sidelined for the season with an Achilles injury.

Not only that, McAfee clashed with fellow top ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith where some not so nice things were said behind the scenes, allegedly.

So yes, to some, McAfee could make people “uncomfortable,” but there’s no hiding the fact he’s a big part of the network these days.

McAfee’s rise to superstardom coincided with his role on ESPN’s College GameDay. As of now, his contract situation with the show is “unsettled”. But, ESPN president Burke Magnus expects the host to be back on the show this fall.

“Yeah, I presume he will. What Andrew (Marchand) reported is technically true relative to ink on a piece of paper,” Magnus said. “But as you know in our world, it’s a fairly common situation to have reached an agreement without an executed contract or piece of paper.”

McAfee’s fun-loving attitude and gregariousness with guests are also part of his charm; he frequently gets guests laughing and at ease, where they’re more likely to share freely about their teams or what’s going on.

So yes, as of now, expect more “uncomfortable” people, or something like that, since McAfee will be around.