Skip Bayless to Leave Undisputed Soon in a Shocking Turn of Events

In a startling shakeup in the sports media industry, Skip Bayless is set to leave his position as co-host of “Undisputed” on FS1 after an eight-year stint, according to Ryan Glasspiegel of The New York Post. His final episode will air later this summer. “Undisputed” is known for its 9:30 a.m. weekday slot.

This marks the second consecutive summer that a key personality has exited the show. Last year, Shannon Sharpe left “Undisputed” following the NBA Finals.

The revamped version of the program featured a rotating cast of panelists including Bayless, Keyshawn Johnson, Michael Irvin, Richard Sherman, Rachel Nichols, and Paul Pierce. Despite the diverse lineup, the show couldn’t recapture the one-on-one debate magic that Bayless and Sharpe created over the previous seven years.

After Sharpe’s departure, the show took a summer break in 2023 and struggled to regain its footing upon returning. The new format appeared awkward and unfamiliar to its loyal audience. Previously, “Undisputed” featured a debate moderator—a role filled by Joy Taylor, Jenny Taft, and Jen Hale in the past. However, in the new format, Bayless took on the role of introducing topics and often ended up being the last to express his opinion.

Although “Undisputed” is expected to continue without Bayless, it is hard to foresee the show achieving the same level of success it once had. Bayless was known for his polarizing opinions that frequently went viral on social media, drawing both agreement and mockery. These opinions generated significant impressions and revenue.

In 2021, Andrew Marchand of The New York Post reported that Bayless had signed a four-year deal with FS1 worth $32 million.

ESPN made considerable efforts to reunite Bayless with Stephen A. Smith back in 2020. Lengthy negotiations took place for the duo to host a daily show on ESPN+, but ultimately FS1 held onto Bayless. Stephen A. Smith, who earns nearly $8 million per year, was a significant driving force behind ESPN’s bid to recruit Bayless. Negotiations spanned several months and concluded in late 2020 as sports resumed following the pandemic shutdown.

In August 2020, reports suggested that ESPN offered Bayless a four-year deal in the $30 million range. The primary motive wasn’t necessarily to reunite the “First Take” duo, but to bolster the new subscription platform ESPN+ by drawing viewers through various programs featuring the pair.

Love him or hate him, Skip Bayless has left an indelible mark on sports media. His blunt personality and controversial takes have made him a highly polarizing yet compelling figure. His critiques of sports stars like LeBron James and Aaron Rodgers have incensed many fans, but Bayless has transcended the realm of sports media to become a notable figure in pop culture. No matter what he says, Bayless undeniably remains an entertaining presence.

Source: The New York Post