ESPN Radio shake-up could lead to Dan Le Batard’s departure from network, report says
ESPN Radio is reportedly in the process of a major shake-up, which could end with Dan Le Batard no longer being part of the network.
Discussions regarding a series of major changes at the network are in progress, the New York Post reported, and they could lead to Le Batard’s departure and a potential return to radio for Mike Greenberg.
Le Batard still has more than a year left on his contract with ESPN, “but there is a feeling among many that his program does not mesh with” ESPN executive vice president Norby Williamson, who serves as the point person for ESPN Radio’s programming. Mike Ryan, the executive producer for “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz,” declined to comment on the Post’s report. Le Batard could not be reached.
Le Batard is a former Miami Herald columnist and has hosted the show since 2004. The show has aired nationally on ESPN Radio since 2013, and a television simulcast of the show also airs on ESPNews. The show currently airs daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Herald columnist Greg Cote is a frequent contributor.
As opposed to other ESPN Radio programs, “The Dan Le Batard Show” frequently touches on topics other than sports, amounting to more of a variety show than a traditional sports-talk program. Last year, Le Batard got in trouble with ESPN when he pushed back against the network’s no-politics stance and called ESPN “cowardly,” while calling out President Donald Trump. Although Le Batard has mostly stayed away from politics since the controversy, the show still spends more time discussing pop culture and other topics than most of its ESPN Radio counterparts.
Le Batard, who reportedly makes $3.5 million per year, could still have his TV show and podcast network even if ESPN Radio takes him off the air. ESPN is reportedly “likely” to find a potential replacement within the network and Mina Kimes, a frequent Le Batard Show contributor, could be one candidate.
ESPN Radio’s plans could take more than a year to play out and it’s not clear how the COVID-19 pandemic might affect some of the network’s changes. The first domino, however, to fall is likely to fall soon with the imminent departure of Will Cain from ESPN. “The WIll Cain Show” currently airs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Cain is expected to sign a contract with Fox News and Fox Nation in the near future. ESPN is also reportedly considering a change to “Golic and Wingo,” which airs from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., and eyeing Greenberg to take over in the 1 pm.m. to 3 p.m. window, which is currently occupied by Jason Fitz’s “First Take, Your Take.”
