• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

Mina Kimes Gets Major Pay Bump Under New ESPN Deal

  • Kimes, who was in the six-figure range annually under her prior deal, will make about $1.7 million per year under the new deal. 
  • Kimes joined ESPN in 2014, and has been a key member of ESPN’s NFL coverage for years.
Mina Kimes
ESPN Images.

Mina Kimes agreed to a multiyear extension at ESPN, Front Office Sports confirmed on Wednesday. 

Kimes has been at ESPN since 2014 when she was hired to write for the since-shuttered “ESPN The Magazine,” and her profile skyrocketed as she transitioned to on-air duties on “NFL Live” and other slots in recent years. 

Kimes, who was in the six-figure range annually under her prior deal, will make about $1.7 million per year under the new deal. 

ESPN is expected to make an official announcement of the extension by week’s end. The New York Post was the first outlet to report the deal. 

Beyond ESPN, Dan Le Batard led off his show Wednesday by announcing Kimes had signed a new deal with Meadowlark Media. She will continue to appear weekly on “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.” 

Kimes will also continue her podcast, which is produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions as part of a partnership with ESPN. 

Kimes’ extension comes after ESPN made a series of personnel cuts — including NFL analysts ​​Todd McShay, Steve Young, and Keyshawn Johnson — earlier this summer. 

Pat McAfee addressed the layoffs of about 20 on-air personalities in July after ESPN agreed to pay a reported $85 million over five years to bring his daily show to the network. McAfee was already a college football analyst, a gig the former NFL punter started at ESPN last year. 

“Some absolute legends, that we all respect, in the sports world were trending for losing jobs,” McAfee wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “That sucks … no matter how you slice it.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James wears the Arizona Wildcats jersey of his son Bryce James (6) during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.

LeBron James’s Return Imminent As NBA Star Injuries Pile Up

A lot of NBA stars have been injured early in the season.

From LSU to UNC, Politicians Are Pushing Into CFB Coaching Decisions

Lawmakers include Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis.
Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) rushes the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field.
opinion

NFL Refs Are Ruining the TV Experience

The Eagles–Lions game was just the latest example of bad calls.
Jan 28, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, begins a hearing to examine the Panama Canal and its impact on U.S. trade and national security, focusing on fees and foreign influence on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

Congress Turns Up Heat on Sports Leagues Over Betting Integrity Issues

MLB, the NBA, and the NCAA are all in lawmakers’ crosshairs.

Featured Today

Oct 3, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna (72) warms up before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mullett Arena

NCAA-CHL Rule Change Has Already Shaken Up Hockey

Inside how leagues feel a year since the announcement.
Sailgating
November 14, 2025

‘Sailgating’: Inside Washington Football’s Tradition on the Water

The pregame experience can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
exclusive
November 13, 2025

Track CEO Charged With Child Rape Passed USATF-Ordered Background Check

The track world didn’t know about the charges for nearly a year.
TUCSON, ARIZ. -- Resurfacing and painting of the new floor at McKale Center.
November 9, 2025

The Business of College Basketball’s Signature Courts

Signature floors are a creative—and increasingly expensive—corner of college sports.
Michelle Smallmon

How ESPN Radio’s Michelle Smallmon Bet on Herself and Won

After the pandemic, she felt “something was missing.”
November 17, 2025

Sinclair-Scripps Deal Would Forge Another Sports Giant on Free TV

Sinclair looks to join in the growing wave of industry consolidation.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; The ESPN logo at the Super Bowl LIX media center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
November 17, 2025

YouTube TV Gains Full ESPN DTC Access in Far-Reaching Deal

ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service will be integrated into YouTube TV.
Sponsored

NFL QB Christian Ponder Is Preparing Athletes for Business

Former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder discusses the transition from field to boardroom.
November 14, 2025

Disney and Google Strike Deal to End ESPN YouTube TV Blackout

ESPN returns to the service in time for college football on Saturday.
Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Louisiana State Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (18) under pressure from Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson (0) and defensive lineman Keon Keeley (31) during the second quarter of the game at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 14, 2025

College Football Viewership Increases Taper Off

A torrid viewership start to the season has slowed down in recent weeks.
The NBC Sports broadcast team works Michigan State's football game against Boston College on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
November 14, 2025

NBC Sports, Versant Bring Back Old Sports Media Brands

NBC Sports Network and USA Sports are back in new forms.
May 11, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; ESPN commentator Paul Finebaum is crowned before the match at Bank of America Stadium.
November 14, 2025

11 Potential Successors to Paul Finebaum at ESPN

These college football talkers could rise if Finebaum leaves ESPN for politics.