• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, February 25, 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

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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.

NFL Is ‘Linchpin Holding’ Cable Bundle Together: Bank of America

The league’s upcoming renegotiations bring heightened risk for networks.
Sep 28, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Charlie Morton (50) waves to fans while walking to the dugout after pitching against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at Truist Park.

Braves Post 11% Increase in Revenue in 2025 to $732 Million

The MLB club said the formation of BravesVision leans in to specific advantages.
Sep 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) celebrates with second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) after a home run against the Washington Nationals in the first inning at Truist Park.

Braves Launch Team-Owned TV Network

The in-house venture has echoes of the former WTBS superstation.
The Savannah Bananas played the Texas Tailgaters at Great American Ballpark on Friday June 13, 2025. The game included music, dancing, non-baseball games, backflips and featured Reds players like Todd Frazier, Bronson Arroyo and Sean Casey. The Bananas will play the Texas Tailgaters again on Saturday to a packed Great American Ballpark.

Why Savannah Bananas Are Expanding Their ESPN Deal

The new deal will see ESPN platforms air 25 Bananas games in 2026.

Featured Today

[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Feb 10, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin of the United States during the curling mixed doubles gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium
February 20, 2026

Curling Clubs Are Swept Up in Olympics Fever. Can It Last?

Every four years, organizations field an influx of curling-curious patrons.
Max Valverde by Ron Winsett
February 17, 2026

How Ski Mountaineering’s Hype Man Went From TikTok to NBC

Max Valverde’s gushing over the niche sport vaulted him to Olympic broadcaster.
Feb 11, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Jaelin Kauf of the United States during freestyle skiing women's moguls final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park
February 13, 2026

The Surprise Hit of the Winter Olympics: First-Person Drone Views

Tiny drone cameras have reshaped the Olympics viewing experience.

Paramount Says WBD Deal Would Help CBS Turnaround

The CBS Sports parent company lauds its NFL and UFC programming.
February 24, 2026

U.S. Gold-Medal Game Draws 20.7M Viewers for NBC, a Morning Record

The gold-medal hockey game draws an NFL-like audience.
Nov 21, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Mercedes driver George Russell (63) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
February 25, 2026

F1 CEO Defends Apple Leap: ‘Bigger’ Reach With ‘Other People’

F1 believes it’s making up for what it’s losing in reach elsewhere.
Sponsored

From USWNT Star to NWSL Franchise Founder

Leslie Osborne, former USWNT midfielder, shares how athletes are moving from the pitch to the ownership table.
Jan 4, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; TNT sportscaster Marv Albert looks on before a game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the LA Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
February 24, 2026

Family Business: Marv Albert Marvels at Son Kenny’s Gold Medal TV Performance

“He was tremendous,” Marv Albert says of his son’s career-defining performance.
February 24, 2026

Kenny Albert Flooded With 483 Texts After His Golden Hockey Call

Messages from the likes of Gretzky, Torre, and Palin poured in nonstop.
The Warner Bros. studios in Burbank, California, U.S. November 18, 2025.
February 24, 2026

Warner Bros. Weighs Revised Paramount Offer

The TNT Sports parent company is reviewing the latest acquisition offer.
February 23, 2026

Winter Olympics on NBC Up 96% From 2022, Highest Since 2014

The network benefits greatly from the dramatic final days of competition.