Pat McAfee could earn more than LeBron James, Stephen Curry with new ESPN deal

Pat McAfee could soon enter a salary bracket usually reserved for players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry if his next ESPN deal reaches the top of the reported range.

The former NFL punter has already become one of the most visible voices on ESPN. His daily show, College GameDay role, and regular football presence have turned him into more than a normal studio personality.

Now, the numbers being discussed would make that rise look even stranger. A sports media deal could push McAfee past two of the biggest basketball names of the modern era on annual pay.

Pat McAfee’s ESPN deal could reach Stephen Curry and LeBron James territory

The Athletic reported that ESPN and Pat McAfee’s representatives are discussing a huge extension.

“ESPN and representatives for Pat McAfee are discussing an extension to his contract that would pay him more than $60 million per year.

“… The two sides are currently between $60 million to $65 million per year,” The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand revealed.

The deal is not finished, but the reported range shows how important McAfee has become to ESPN’s live and digital strategy. An expanded NFL role is also possible, which would help explain why the number has climbed so dramatically.

Even by modern sports media standards, $60 million to $65 million per year is a staggering figure for someone who is no longer playing.

Pat McAfee’s salary comparison with Stephen Curry and LeBron James feels wild

If McAfee lands the deal at $65 million per year, he would make more annually from ESPN than Curry is due from the Golden State Warriors in 2026-27. Curry’s salary for that season is listed at about $62.6 million.

He would also clear James’ most recent NBA salary figure. James made about $52.6 million from the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025-26, though he is listed as an unrestricted free agent for 2026-27 unless he signs a new deal.

That is the weird part of the comparison. Curry changed basketball with his shooting, James is one of the greatest players ever, and McAfee could still top both of them on annual pay through a television and content contract.

It does not mean McAfee earns more than them overall when endorsements and business income are included. But strictly on annual ESPN money versus NBA team salary, the reported number is outrageous enough to make the comparison impossible to ignore.

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