• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
exclusive
Media

Despite Dak Prescott Backlash, Skip Bayless Poised For New TV Deal

  • Critics called for Bayless’ firing for his comments on Prescott’s depression.
  • Host of FS1’s ‘Undisputed’ could get a slight raise on a $6 million annual salary.
skip_bayless
Fox Sports

Skip Bayless is nearing the finish line on a contract extension with Fox Sports, sources tell Front Office Sports. 

The news comes just weeks after Bayless outraged many when he called Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott’s openness about his depression a sign of weakness.

Bayless’ new deal is not finalized yet, but he’s expected to get a slight raise on his $6 million annual salary in a new contract extension.

Fox declined to comment on this story.

There have been talks about Bayless reuniting with his former TV partner Stephen A. Smith at ESPN’s “First Take.” The former sparring partners call each other their “brother from another mother” and have made no secret of their desire to work together again.

But the pending TV free agent wants to stay with FS1 in Los Angeles and Fox executives want to keep Bayless, sources said. 

Still, nothing is finalized yet. The negotiations between 68-year-old Bayless and Fox are going right down to the wire since his current contract is set to expire this month, said sources. 

Networks typically lock up their top on-air talents months — or even years — before their deals expire, to make sure they don’t hit the free agent market.

However, the recent controversy involving Bayless’ comments about Prescott put a major bump in negotiations, said sources.

skip bayless talking

Skip Bayless Contract Talks to Test Fox Sports and Upended TV Market

Skip Bayless may have run into his toughest opponent: the coronavirus pandemic.…
May 19, 2020

Bayless glories in his reputation as the enfant terrible of sports TV. But his recent on-air comments about the 27-year-old Prescott crossed the line for many critics.

After Prescott shared his feelings of depression and anxiety over the coronavirus pandemic and the loss of his older brother Jace in April to suicide, Bayless was unmoved.

Even if his TV viewers condemned him as “cold-blooded,” Bayless told partner Shannon Sharpe the quarterback was making a big mistake going public with his mental health struggles. 

Social media exploded with fury and disgust over his comments. 

ESPN‘s Damien Woody called him a “clown.” Ex-ESPN colleague Keith Olbermann tweeted he should be fired immediately. Even Fox publicly rebuked Bayless, but the network didn’t suspend its morning TV star.

“At FOX Sports, we are proud of Dak Prescott for publicly revealing his struggle with depression and mental health. No matter the cause of the struggles, FOX Sports believes Dak showed tremendous courage which is evident in both his leadership on the Dallas Cowboys and in his character off the field,” the network said in a statement. “We do not agree with Skip Bayless’ opinion on ‘Undisputed’ this morning. We have addressed the significance of this matter with Skip and how his insensitive comments were received by people internally at Fox Sports and our audience.”

Bayless said his comments were “misconstrued by many.” But he declined to apologize. 

His show’s audience grew to 302,000 viewers the first episode after the controversy from the previous 175,000, according to Ryan Glasspiegel of OutKick

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

‘Absolutely Ridiculous’: Trump Blasts NFL Over Bad Bunny Choice

The president predictably panned the NFL’s selection of the Puerto Rican superstar.
Maverick Carter, LeBron James
exclusive

New International Basketball League Plans Launch, Without Maverick Carter

The venture plans to launch men’s and women’s leagues next fall.
Mar 19, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; USA shortstop Trea Turner (8) throws to first base for an out during the first inning at LoanDepot Park.

Fox Picks Up Media Rights to 2026 World Baseball Classic

The network will repeat its role in the international baseball tournament.
Nov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of a Cleveland Browns helmet on a time out against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome.

Cleveland Takes New Shot at Blocking Browns’ $2.4B Stadium

A new lawsuit challenges a permit for the NFL team’s planned stadium.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.

Mark Sanchez Charged With New Felony in Indianapolis Case

The broadcaster and ex-NFL quarterback faces up to six years in prison.
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.
October 2, 2025

NBC Sports, Peacock Stay on YouTube TV With Long-Term Deal

The broad-based agreement keeps NBC channels with the key distributor.
Sep 27, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Josh McCray (2) runs against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green (41) and defensive back Keon Sabb (3) in the second half at Sanford Stadium.
exclusive
October 2, 2025

College Football Viewership Is Up Double Digits. Here’s Why

Average game viewership is up by more than 10% so far.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) throws the ball during the first half of a NCAA college football game against Alabama in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
October 1, 2025

Alabama-Georgia Draws 10.4M Viewers, Drives Record CFB Season Pace

ABC drew 10.4 million viewers for Alabama-Georgia.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) pulls down a touchdown reception against Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, November 13, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
September 24, 2025

Packers-Cowboys Game Is Getting Super Bowl–Like NBC Treatment

The network will bring its pregame show to Dallas.
Sep 18, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) reacts as the Fever defeat the Atlanta Dream during game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gateway Center Arena at College Park.
September 19, 2025

Fever Upset of Dream Brings Ratings Boost to WNBA Semis

The Indiana Fever will face the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.
September 17, 2025

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.