According to a report from the New York Post on July 15, Skip Bayless, the renowned host of Fox Sports 1’s Undisputed, is set to exit later this summer. Initial silence from both Bayless and the network left fans speculating until he finally broke the news on social media.
Latest Update: Skip Bayless Announces Departure from ‘Undisputed’; What Lies Ahead for the Sports Legend?
Right after the final episode of Undisputed, Bayless took to Twitter/X to confirm his exit.
Today was my last show on Undisputed. I’m leaving FS1. I’ve been planning to pursue other opportunities for several months. I had a great 8-year run with a lot of great people at FOX, but now I’m excited for what’s coming up. Stay tuned.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) August 2, 2024
In his tweet, Bayless shared, “Today was my last show on Undisputed. I’m leaving FS1. I’ve been planning to pursue other opportunities for several months. My eight years here have been fantastic, and I can’t wait for what’s next.” This announcement marks not just the end of his time on Undisputed but also his stint with the network.
At 72, Bayless might seem like a perfect candidate for retirement, but his message hints at more projects ahead.
However, a return to ESPN is off the table. Recently, an ESPN representative confirmed that Bayless will not be resuming his role at the network where he first gained fame, stating, “We’re satisfied with our current First Take lineup and wish Skip the best in his future pursuits.”
Bayless transitioned from newspaper writing to full-time broadcasting in 2004, gaining popularity as a tough opponent to Stephen A. Smith on First Take starting in 2007.
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The show Skip and Shannon: Undisputed launched on FS1 in September 2016, featuring Bayless’s distinct and bold commentary alongside former NFL star Shannon Sharpe, who departed after the 2023 NBA Finals.
Since then, Bayless has shared hosting duties with various guest panelists, leaving the future of the program uncertain post-exit.
In March 2021, Bayless secured a lucrative four-year, $32 million contract with Fox, a noteworthy figure in sports broadcasting. Given recent trends in the cable industry, it’s likely that his next deal will be less financially rewarding.
Will his dedicated followers continue to support him in his future endeavors? Only time will tell.