Longtime ESPN host returning to network in similar deal to Pat McAfee

The NFL Network’s Rich Eisen is returning to ESPN after more than two decades, according to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand.

Eisen’s show, per The New York Times, will be licensed by ESPN, giving him ownership and creative control. This, per the report, is similar to Pat McAfee’s agreement with ESPN.

The Athletic, citing sources, reports “The Rich Eisen Show” will move from Roku to ESPN this fall as part of the network’s new direct-to-consumer service. It is also being reported there “is a strong possibility” Eisen’s show could be aired on ESPN Radio, too.

McAfee’s and Eisen’s shows are currently on at the same time, and it has not been reported as to which show, if either, will move times. Though, Eisen is not expected to be on ESPN’s linear networks, which include ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNews, according to the report.

Eisen’s program also will be featured on ESPN+, the network’s streaming-only option, and Disney+.

The deal won’t affect his status with NFL Network, per the report, where he will remain the main anchor for its Game Day and draft coverage.

Eisen also serves as the play-by-play announcer for select regular-season games on the network.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.