Sunday, October 18, 2026

A-Rod Reportedly Inks Fox Sports Extension, Will Depart ESPN

  • Rodriguez’s new Fox deal is believed to be “the most lucrative deal yet for an MLB analyst,” per the Hollywood Reporter.
  • The former MLB star will reportedly leave ESPN after this year—ending his “KayRod” Sunday Night Baseball broadcast.
Rodriguez’s new Fox deal is believed to be “the most lucrative deal yet for an MLB analyst."
Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Alex Rodriguez has reportedly signed a new contract extension with Fox Sports that will see the former MLB slugger leave his other broadcasting gig with ESPN.

Rodriguez’s reported extension with Fox is expected to be for at least three years and “the most lucrative deal yet for an MLB analyst,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. A-Rod joined Fox Sports as a full-time baseball analyst in 2017 after working playoff games for the network since 2015.

The reported exclusive nature of Rodriguez’s new deal means that the current MLB season will be his last at ESPN, where he co-hosts the network’s “KayRod” alternate Sunday Night Baseball broadcast alongside Michael Kay. Rodriguez has been on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball team since 2018.

Rodriguez’s departure from ESPN would come after the network laid off some 20 on-air personalities in June, including many basketball and football-focused talents such as Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Steve Young, and Suzie Kolber, among others. ESPN is also not renewing the contracts of notable talents Bomani Jones, Rob Ninkovich, Neil Everett, Chris Chelios, and Vince Carter.  

At Fox, Rodriguez will continue working MLB studio coverage with Kevin Burkhardt and fellow retired MLB stars David Ortiz and Derek Jeter, who is new to FOX this year. Another splash from the network will come with Tom Brady’s NFL coverage debut in 2024.

“I’ve really had a lot of fun and success with the Fox studio. I think we have an incredible team,” Rodriguez told FOS in 2022. “The continuity is great. We know exactly who we are. It’s a little bit what they’ve done with NFL football, with Howie Long and Terry Bradshaw. But I think the “KayRod” is an example of where baseball and sports could move — especially baseball, because you have sometimes up to four hours to fill.” 

A-rod is also co-owner of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves, and a report emerged in May that he was seeking to launch a huge buyout fund to buy stakes in other sports teams.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

CFP Expansion Could Raise Stakes for Coaches, Buyout Costs

Nick Saban warns more playoff spots could mean more firings.

Small-Market Brewers Clinch First NL Pennant

Milwaukee is advancing to its first World Series since 1982.
Opinion

Troy Aikman–Joe Buck Breakup Looks More Likely Than Ever

ESPN hasn’t formally offered Troy Aikman a new deal, sources say.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Television commentator Troy Aikman speaks before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Aikman Eyeing ‘Next Landing Spot,’ Doesn’t Deny Rift With Buck

Aikman is slated to become a free agent after the season.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/16/26 – Aikman Eyes Free Agency, CFP Nears 24 Teams, Stoudemire Becomes Cop

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
Troy Aikman
Exclusive

Troy Aikman, Dolphins Have No Ongoing Consulting Agreement

Aikman’s official role ended with the coach and GM searches.
Pablo Torre Tuned In Front Office Sports
October 14, 2026

Pablo Torre: Not Getting Sued by Jordon Hudson ‘Kind of a Bummer’

Hudson had threatened to sue Torre for defamation over his podcast’s investigations.
October 14, 2026

ESPN Not Reaching Out on Clippers Story Was ‘Disappointing’ for Torre

Torre spoke at the FOS Tuned In summit Tuesday.
Sponsored

The State of AI in Sports 2026

Front Office Sports and Teamworks reveal how AI is reshaping sports in the first industry-wide report on adoption, investment, and impact.
ESPN/ABC Monday Night Football commentators Joe Buck, left, and Troy Aikman before the Detroit Lions vs. Las Vegas Raiders game at Ford Field, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023.
Exclusive
October 14, 2026

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman Have Had Tension Amid ESPN Contract Talks

The “MNF” duo had an argument before this week’s broadcast.
Jun 27, 2026; Chaska, Minnesota, USA; Nelly Korda hits from a fairway bunker on the first hole during the third round of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship golf tournament.
October 14, 2026

LPGA’s Media-Rights Deals Depend on PGA, NFL Negotiations

LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler is watching the landscape closely.
October 14, 2026

Jessica Berman Says Failed Victory+ Deal Was Risk Worth Taking

The NWSL had a deal with failed streamer Victory+.
Mike Tirico Front Office Sports Tuned In
October 14, 2026

Mike Tirico Worries About Donor Fatigue in College Football

Tirico said donors may question whether their returns are worthwhile.