ESPN strikes new deal with popular NFL analyst
Ryan Clark is staying with ESPN and will become one of the highest-paid NFL analysts at the network.
According to Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, the 44-year-old signed a new deal worth more than $2M annually. The contract also allows Clark to continue hosting "Inside The NFL" on the CW Network and his podcast "The Pivot."
Initially, negotiations between the former Pittsburgh Steelers safety were somewhat tense. On his X account he wrote, "We disagreed" on the terms of the new deal, implying he had other options.
Perhaps he wrote this to gain more leverage. He's clearly getting what he wants and retaining other positions, which help him build a larger following.
ESPN has experienced significant changes over the past few years and lost some of its best broadcasters. In June 2023, the company laid off well-known personalities, such as Suzy Kolber, Todd McShay, Jalen Rose, Steve Young and Max Kellerman.
Clark joined the sports media giant in 2015 and won a Sports Emmy for "Outstanding Personality/Studio Analyst" in 2023. The network probably feels keeping a familiar face who attracts viewers is paramount.
The Super Bowl champion's new contract will impact future negotiations with other stars. "First Take" commentator and executive producer Stephen A. Smith's five-year, $60M contract ends in 2024. Per the New York Post, he recently said he wants to be ESPN's highest-paid personality.
ESPN must prepare to hand out truckloads of money to keep the faces of "The Worldwide Leader in Sports."
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