Shannon Sharpe is set to sign a new contract with ESPN that will keep her with the company for several years. Athleticism has learned.
The agreement has not yet been formally signed but everything indicates that it will soon be finalized, according to a source informed of the discussions. The deal will allow Sharpe to continue appearing regularly on “First Take.” This could also include a few appearances on NFL programming.
Sharpe currently appears with Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim on the Monday and Tuesday editions of “First Take.” He also hosts a popular podcast, “Club Shay Shay.” The deal with ESPN is expected to last four years, according to the source briefed on the discussions.
An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment when contacted Thursday.
Sharpe joined “First Take” last September after seven years on FS1’s “Undisputed.” He was a success at ESPN in every way. In April, according to ESPN, “First Take” averaged 482,000 viewers, a 12% year-over-year increase. April marked the show’s 21st consecutive month of year-over-year growth, while “Undisputed” struggled in ratings following Sharpe’s departure.
Prior to his media career, Sharpe played 14 seasons in the NFL for Denver and Baltimore. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and a three-time Super Bowl champion.
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