Overview
- Ian Rapoport, who confirmed the news Wednesday on The Pat McAfee Show, is finalizing a new multi-year contract with ESPN and becomes the first NFL Network on-air talent to re-sign under its new owner.
- He is expected to appear across ESPN platforms while continuing on NFL Network, where he works with Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero on The Insiders.
- Multiple outlets report the agreement is for four years, though financial terms were not disclosed and ESPN declined to comment.
- The move puts Rapoport and longtime ESPN insider Adam Schefter on the same roster, with both expected to collaborate on breaking NFL news rather than compete.
- ESPN’s $3 billion January purchase of NFL Network gave the NFL a 10% stake in ESPN, and broader decisions on programming and staffing across the two brands are still pending.