Rich Eisen Returning To ESPN

Rich Eisen, a former ESPN anchor from 1996 to 2003, is returning to ESPN through a new deal that will bring The Rich Eisen Show to the network starting in the fall of 2025.

The Rich Eisen Show, currently airing on The Roku Channel, will move to ESPN as part of the network’s new direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service, set to launch in fall 2025. The show will also be featured on ESPN+ and Disney+.

There is a “strong possibility” that the show, which airs weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. ET, could also land on ESPN Radio, where it would serve as an anchor program. 

Licensing Structure: Similar to ESPN’s arrangement with The Pat McAfee Show, Eisen’s program will be licensed by ESPN, allowing him to maintain ownership and editorial control. The exact financial terms of the deal are undisclosed.

No Linear TV: The show is not expected to air on ESPN’s linear networks, such as ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNews, focusing instead on streaming platforms.

The move aligns with ESPN’s push to bolster its upcoming standalone streaming service, which will allow viewers to access ESPN content without a cable subscription. Eisen’s show is seen as a complement to The Pat McAfee Show, which also airs from noon to 3 p.m. ET and is part of ESPN’s DTC vision. Despite the overlapping time slots, ESPN views the shows as complementary, with McAfee’s program airing on linear TV and Eisen’s focusing on streaming.