Notorious sports pundit Skip Bayless is leaving FS1 this summer. As reported first by Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post, Skip Bayless is going to be parting ways with the network, with his final show scheduled for the summer. Bayless referred the Post to Fox Sports’ PR, who declined to comment on the matter.
Bayless’ departure comes a year after the show lost Shannon Sharpe. Sharpe reportedly left due to disagreements with Bayless and left to join Bayless’ old debate partner Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s First Take, Bayless’ old show. With Bayless now leaving FS1, there will be concerns about the future of Undisputed.
The show launched in 2016 to rival First Take on ESPN. The show was built around both Sharpe and Bayless and their incredible rapport with each other. In the wake of Sharpe’s departure, the show recruited sporting legends Michael Irvin, Keyshawn Johnson, Paul Pierce, and even former ESPN broadcaster Rachel Nichols.
The new additions weren’t able to help the show, which struggled in the ratings after Sharpe’s exit. Fans also noticed the stark contrast in chemistry the panel had compared to Skip and Shannon. With Bayless now also leaving, there may be concerns that FS1 will pull the plug on the show.
What Next For Skip Bayless?
Some might speculate that Bayless could make a return to ESPN and reunite with Stephen A. Smith on First Take. And while fans may really want that, the move is a lot more complicated than first believed. The most obvious issue is that of the soured relationship between Bayless and Shannon Sharpe.
ESPN has seen great success thanks to the arrival of Sharpe, and they do not want to jeopardize that by rocking the boat and signing Skip Bayless. A conversation with Sharpe and Smith about signing Bayless will need to happen before any next move is made.
Another issue is that of finances. ESPN has become very particular about which acts they pay money to. They’ve cut several talents over the last few years in order to maximize profits.
With Stephen A. Smith being in a contract year, they will have to see whether they want to take the financial gamble of signing Bayless, who has shown he isn’t the ratings magnet he was a few years ago.
Fans of the original format of First Take will be desperate to see Smith and Bayless reunite, as their natural chemistry and fiery debates drew fans to their show, and popularized the sports debate show format in the United States.
Bayless’ contract situation will be one to keep an eye on. Perhaps he will bring his trademark LeBron James critiques to his old network, ESPN, or venture out and do something on his own with another network or media outlet. Regardless, Fadeaway World will keep you up to date on this matter.
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