Keyshawn Johnson set for 'Undisputed' debut with Skip Bayless

May 2024 · 2 minute read

Explore More

Keyshawn Johnson will be Skip Bayless’ new full-time partner on FS1’s “Undisputed” after Johnson reached agreement on a settlement of his $18 million contract with ESPN, The Post has learned.

Johnson is expected to start on Monday.

Earlier in the week, Bayless announced Johnson would be part of the show’s new team that includes contributors Richard Sherman, Michael Irvin and Rachel Nichols.

However, Bayless’ pronouncement was premature because ESPN had not agreed to release Johnson from his contract.

That finally happened after long, arduous negotiations.

Even though Johnson was let go by ESPN in late June as part of their layoffs, ESPN still controlled his on-air rights as part of a five-year, $18 million contract that he signed just a year ago.

Between the buyout with ESPN and the new deal with FS1, Johnson will make the same amount and will retain his audio rights, meaning he could still do radio or a podcast elsewhere, according to sources.

At ESPN, Johnson hosted the network’s morning shows and appeared on its TV shows, including “NFL Live” and “First Take.”

ESPN had re-signed him to a new contract last year, but decided to lay him off this summer.

The opening at FS1 across from Bayless came about when Shannon Sharpe decided to leave.

Sharpe has resurfaced with a two-day-a-week role during football season opposite Stephen A. Smith on “First Take” and a podcast partnership with Colin Cowherd’s The Volume.

ncG1vNJzZmimqaW8tMCNnKamZ2Jlf3R7j3Fma21foLK6v8earqdlmqS1r7%2FOp2SsnaRis7C%2BjK6lnaGjpcK1scNmm56apal6uLXToWSso5mleqOt2KWcrKtf