Sporting News’ Michael McCarthy is reporting that ESPN is finalizing a deal to keep one of its biggest multi-media stars on the payroll. According to McCarthy’s sources, the network and Dan Le Batard have a deal for a contract extension in place.
In March, Ryan Glasspiegel of The Big Lead reported that Le Batard was talking with Sirius/XM about an offer that could include the chance to program his own satellite radio channel. Many in the industry thought those talks could go somewhere given Le Batard’s close relationship with former ESPN president John Skipper. Le Batard held back tears on air in December when discussing Skipper’s departure.
The new deal likely means that not only are Dan, Stugotz and the rest of the Dan Le Batard Show cast in place for the foreseeable future on ESPN Radio and ESPNews, but his father Gonzalo “Papi” Le Batard and TV show Highly Questionable aren’t going anywhere either.
