Thursday, May 14, 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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs against Denver Broncos linebacker Karene Reid (47) during the second quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High.

NFL Schedule Leans Further Into Holidays, Streaming Expansion

The upcoming slate features several notable changes from 2025.

NFL Schedule Rollout Ramps Up With Full Thanksgiving Slate, Leak Frenzy

CBS gets a top NFC North rivalry to start the Thanksgiving Day games.
Los Angeles, CA - May 8, 2026 - LAPC: Stephen A Smith and Skip Bayless on the set of First Take.

‘First Take’ Ratings Up 24% for Skip Bayless Return

The episode marked Bayless’s first ESPN appearance in a decade.
Apex, NC - February 15, 2026: Portrait of the Super Bowl LXI 61 Football.

ESPN Wants Its First Super Bowl to Be the Most-Watched Ever

Fox’s broadcast of Super Bowl LIX holds the current record.

Featured Today

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).
Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga
May 14, 2026

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 13, 2026

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.

Netflix Deepens Its NFL Ties With Expanded Five-Game Package

The streaming giant significantly increased its presence with the league.
TNT Sports
May 13, 2026

WBD Leans Further Into Sports With Paramount Deal Looming

The TNT Sports parent company pushes ahead with its own programming plans.
Mar 15, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; ACC commissioner Jim Phillips hands the championship trophy to Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer after the 2025 ACC Conference Championship game against the Louisville Cardinals at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026

ACC Backs Duke-Amazon Deal Despite Big Ten Concerns

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips revealed ESPN was involved in the discussions.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
May 13, 2026

NFL International Slate Gives Legacy Networks Bigger Stage

Legacy broadcast networks are core to this part of the schedule.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald on the sideline against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.
May 12, 2026

Super Bowl LXI Gets the Star Treatment at Disney Upfronts

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appears at the network’s upfront presentation.
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; A NFL shield logo on an Honors trophy at the Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive
May 12, 2026

NFL Honors Expected to Move to Netflix

The NFL’s annual awards show is moving to streaming.
Packers fans watch as the 49ers celebrate one of their touchdowns on a giant TV screen at Mecca Sports Bar and Grill on Jan. 19, 2020.
May 12, 2026

NFL Schedule Tweaks Continue Erosion of Sunday’s Witching Hour

More standalone windows mean less inventory for “NFL RedZone.”