• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

ESPN Brings Pat McAfee to Atlanta for Home Run Derby Showcase

Despite broader murkiness in the ESPN-MLB relationship, a fully fledged production is in the works for next week’s Home Run Derby. 

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

ESPN’s long-term future with MLB remains decidedly uncertain, but the Disney-owned network is leaving it all on the field, bringing one of its biggest stars to Atlanta next week to be part of Home Run Derby pre-event coverage. 

The Pat McAfee Show will broadcast live from the Coca-Cola Roxy, adjacent to Truist Park, the afternoon of July 14—hours before ESPN shows MLB’s Home Run Derby which annually represents one of the network’s top pieces of primetime programming of the entire summer. 

The presence of Pat McAfee in Atlanta will be joined by a series of other programming plans surrounding the Home Run Derby, including a Georgia stop in the SportsCenter “50 States in 50 Days” content initiative, a pre-Derby episode of Baseball Tonight, and a return of an alternate, Statcast-based production of the event.

The main Derby broadcast will again be led by Karl Ravech and Eduardo Pérez, along with former MLB star Todd Frazier, who won the event 10 years ago while playing for the Reds. That competition was the first Derby to feature a timed format, which helped reinvigorate the event and served as a forerunner of sorts for the pitch clock the league introduced two years ago. 

McAfee has had a featured role in many other key ESPN productions, as he stands alongside Stephen A. Smith as one of the network’s top personalities, and his broadcasting from Atlanta further signifies the importance of the Derby to ESPN.

Last year’s Derby from Arlington, Texas, averaged 5.45 million viewers, down 11% from 2023’s event, as it competed with the 2024 Republican National Convention. The full, eight-player field for this year’s Derby has not been finalized, but confirmed competitors thus far include the Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr., Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, Nationals outfielder James Wood, and Twins outfielder Byron Buxton. 

ESPN, meanwhile, has re-engaged with MLB about a potentially restructured rights relationship after previously signaling its intent to walk away from the league after the 2025 season. The outcome of those talks remains uncertain, but MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has said he intends to have the rights situation determined by next week’s All-Star Game

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; A general overall view of the NFL Network building adjacent to SoFi Stadium.
exclusive

ESPN Taking Over NFL Network’s Lease Near SoFi Stadium

The network is picking up a little real estate in its mega-deal.
NFL Network host Kimmi Chex gives Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor a draft do-over during the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Taylor was drafted in 2020 when the draft was held virtually due to COVID.

ESPN Reaches NFL Draft Rights Extension Following Megadeal

The network will continue to broadcast the draft through 2030, say sources.
Apr 2, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Roman Reigns during Wrestlemania Night 2 at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit:

ESPN Strikes $1.6 Billion Streaming Deal With WWE

WWE’s premium live events are migrating from NBC’s Peacock in 2026.

Disney Buying NFL Network, NFL Getting 10% Stake in ESPN

The deal rewrites the playbook for pro leagues and their TV partners.

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; President Donald Trump leaves the field after participating in a meet and greet with the honorary coin toss participants including family members of the victims from the terrorist attack, members of the New Orleans Police Department, and emergency personnel before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome.

Why the NFL-ESPN Deal Is ‘Political Catnip’ for Trump

The president has a history of using media mergers for leverage.
opinion
August 2, 2025

ESPN-NFL Deal Still Contends With a Wild Card: Trump’s Approval

Negotiations between the NFL and Disney have been ongoing for four years
August 4, 2025

ESPN’s Ryan Clark: Haters Are Viewers, Too

“Get them to hate what you say … enough that they’ll tune in.”
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 31, 2025

Comcast Bets Big on Sports, but NBA Price Tag Looms Large

The NBC Sports parent company is absorbing the impacts of adding the NBA.
opinion
July 31, 2025

Could Chad Ochocinco Be ESPN’s Shannon Sharpe Replacement?

ESPN moved on from Sharpe after he settled a sexual assault lawsuit.
July 30, 2025

Shannon Sharpe Out at ESPN Following Rape Suit Settlement

He’s been off-air since April, planning to return for the NFL season.
July 30, 2025

Sophie Cunningham Gets Podcast With Cowherd’s Volume, Continuing Breakout

Cunningham’s podcast deal is the latest in a breakout summer.