Skip Bayless Reportedly Leaving FS1 and ‘Undisputed’

For the second consecutive year, Fox Sports 1’s flagship morning show faces the departure of a notable figure. Following Shannon Sharpe’s exit from Undisputed last year, which led him to ESPN’s First Take, Skip Bayless is now stepping away from the show he has anchored for the past eight years, according to Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post.

Bayless will reportedly make his final appearance later this summer. While the future of the 72-year-old TV personality remains uncertain, FS1 plans to continue Undisputed without his involvement. Since Sharpe left, the show has featured a rotating lineup, including Rachel Nichols, Keyshawn Johnson, Paul Pierce, Richard Sherman, and Michael Irvin joining Bayless. Despite these high-profile names, Undisputed has struggled to regain its previous momentum without Sharpe as Bayless’s permanent debate partner.

This development marks a significant shift for FS1. Many have speculated whether the audience had grown weary of Bayless’s familiar routine. Ratings for Undisputed have notably dipped, especially in its current format without Sharpe. Bayless’s attempts to ignite debates on his favorite subjects, such as LeBron James and the Dallas Cowboys, have sometimes appeared forced. It’s challenging to envision the show’s dynamic and audience appeal without Bayless at its core.

Adding another layer of complexity to FS1’s situation is the impending expiration of Colin Cowherd’s contract this fall. Cowherd, alongside Bayless, was one of the network’s major draws when it launched. The potential departure of both Bayless and Cowherd within the same year would signify a considerable shift for FS1, potentially altering the landscape of the network’s programming lineup.

Source: Ryan Glasspiel of the New York Post