Home / Sports / NFL Star Stays Put, Builds $120M Media Empire
NFL Star Stays Put, Builds $120M Media Empire
16 Sep
Summary
- McAfee retired from NFL at 29, leaving $14.5 million contract.
- He built a media empire from Indianapolis, not LA or NY.
- He signed a $120 million deal with FanDuel, later $85 million with ESPN.
Pat McAfee retired from the NFL in February 2017 at age 29, walking away from a $14.5 million contract with the Colts. Instead of chasing opportunities in Los Angeles or New York, he established his media enterprises in Indianapolis. His production headquarters, known as the Thunderdome, is located in a converted United Methodist Church on Oaklandon Road. This facility houses multiple studios and control rooms, serving as the base for Pat McAfee Inc. and the Pat McAfee Foundation.
McAfee's career transition into broadcasting began even before his football retirement, with early ventures into stand-up comedy. After his NFL playing career, he moved through Barstool Sports before launching Pat McAfee Inc. independently. Significant financial backing followed, starting with a four-year, $120 million contract with FanDuel in December 2021. This deal provided the necessary infrastructure for his growing media operation.
In May 2023, McAfee opted out of the FanDuel agreement to sign a five-year, $85 million contract with ESPN. The Pat McAfee Show now airs on ESPN's weekday schedule, accessible via cable, ESPN+, and YouTube. McAfee retained creative control as a condition of the deal. Reports indicate that as of 2026, extension talks are underway for a new contract potentially worth between $60 million and $65 million annually, positioning him as a top earner in sports media.
