Skip Bayless Set For Summer Exit From FS1, ‘Undisputed’
Longtime ‘Undisputed’ co-host Skip Bayless is set to leave the popular debate show and the network that carries the program, FS1.
Per Ryan Glasspiegel of the NY Post, Bayless will exit FS1 this summer, but the exact date is not yet known. After several years debating Stephen A. Smith at ESPN, Bayless made the jump to FS1 in 2016. Once there, Bayless co-hosted ‘Skip and Shannon: Undisputed’ alongside Shannon Sharpe. The show’s name was shortened to just ‘Undisputed’ when Sharpe left the network in 2023.
Since Sharpe's exit, Skip Bayless has worked with a rotating cast of co-hosts including Richard Sherman, Keyshawn Johnson and other former pro athletes and media members. The New York Post previously reported that Bayless signed a four-year contract with FS1 in 2021 worth $32 million.
Skip Bayless Leaving Debate Show ‘Undisputed’
Bayless, 72, began his career as a sportswriter before transitioning into TV. In addition to working for FS1 and ESPN, Bayless has also been employed by the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune, among a number of other publications. Alongside Stephen A., Bayless spearheaded the popularity of sports debate shows. ‘Undisputed’ regularly featured hot takes from Bayless that frequently centered around LeBron James and the Dallas Cowboys. His daily debates with Sharpe often went viral and, for many, were considered "must-see-tv."
Skip Bayless is reportedly leaving 'Undisputed' and FS1. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Paley Center for Media)
Despite a seemingly rocky end to his on-air relationship with Sharpe, and the co-host's eventual departure from the network, the two seemingly cleared the air during Sharpe's last broadcast with Bayless in June 2023. The Hall of Fame tight end told Bayless: "Skip Bayless, I appreciate you man." Bayless responded: "I love you man," as the co-hosts shook hands.
Soon, neither will be a part of the FS1 mainstay.
Bayless has not yet publicly addressed reports of his pending exit. Multiple sources have indicated that ‘Undisputed’ is expected to continue after Bayless and the network part ways.
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