ESPN calls itself the worldwide leader in sports for its top-notch coverage across every league. Not only does it have a plethora of shows that keep people engaged, but it also has some of the biggest personalities in the business working for it.
It appears ESPN has run into some rough times of late, which led to it laying off some of the most recognizable people. One of ESPN’s top names is Pat McAfee, and some believe his massive salary is behind the layoffs at ESPN. However, Dan Dakich came to McAfee’s defense, saying he should be given credit for much of ESPN’s success.
Pat McAfee Is ESPN’s ‘Most Valuable Property’
Dakich said, “Pat McAfee, sitting pretty. He’s on top of that network. He is the best of the best at that network; it ain’t even close… Pat McAfee is the most valuable property that ESPN has.”
It has been reported that McAfee could be making around $60 million with his upcoming contract for his show to be aired on ESPN networks. Dakich seems to think McAfee is worth every penny because he makes ESPN the most money.
Quit blaming @PatMcAfeeShow @Espngreeny or @stephenasmith for @ESPN layoffs pic.twitter.com/mzJ16y3Db6
— Dan Dakich (@dandakich) July 24, 2026
Dakich continued, “ESPN is a company that is there first and foremost, that is there to make money. You pay the people that help you make money, and you get rid of the people that cause you problems.”
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McAfee has seen his show skyrocket over the years, from 2017 when he first started with Barstool Sports to now being one of the highest-paid personalities in all of sports. His show is watched and streamed by millions daily, and that is why ESPN brought him in.
What makes McAfee unique is his ability to cover all sports; he was a former NFL punter, but his knowledge of sports goes far beyond football. Also, he gets high-profile guests on his show daily, which keeps the content new and exciting.
ESPN recently had McAfee at All-Star Weekend in Philadelphia for the MLB All-Star Game, and we saw him covering the NFL Draft earlier in the year.
Dakich also mentioned Mike Greenberg and Stephen A. Smith, who have brought a similar impact to shows “Get Up” and “First Take.” These personalities are ones people turn on the TV to see, and continue to bring in tons of money for ESPN.
Even though the recent layoffs at ESPN are unfortunate, the company is doing its best to make as much money as possible, and it has kept its most valuable assets in place to do just that.
