Michael Kay’s show heading to December ending amid uncertainty over ESPN deal

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The future of The Michael Kay Show, a staple of New York sports radio for nearly two decades, remains uncertain as contract talks between Michael Kay and ESPN continue. While the network has expressed interest in retaining Kay, insiders report that ESPN has yet to present a formal offer to extend his tenure in the coveted afternoon time slot.

Neither host Michael Kay nor ESPN has commented publicly on the negotiations.

This scenario mirrors discussions from two years ago when Michael Kay considered stepping away. At that time, then-programming head Norby Williamson convinced him to stay with a lucrative seven-figure deal. Now, ESPN executive David Roberts oversees the ongoing talks.

Among the options reportedly under consideration is a scaled-back role for Michael Kay, potentially featuring a shorter broadcast from 1-3 p.m. from a home studio. In this arrangement, he could host solo, focusing primarily on New York sports. While the possibility of maintaining the current lineup with Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg remains, it is considered less likely.

The show’s simulcast on YES Network also faces an uncertain future. However, Michael Kay’s role as the lead play-by-play broadcaster for the Yankees on YES is unaffected.

The resolution of these discussions could reshape the station’s programming. Michael Kay, La Greca, and Rosenberg previously achieved a significant milestone by toppling WFAN’s Mike Francesa from his long-standing ratings dominance, cementing their impact on the New York sports radio landscape.

ESPN yet to extend deal with Michael Kay

Sources suggest a potential shake-up at ESPN New York could see Don La Greca and Alan Hahn emerging as leading candidates to fill the afternoon slot if Michael Kay transitions to mid-day programming. This restructuring might leave Peter Rosenberg, whose contract is nearing its end, without a defined role in the revised lineup. However, Rosenberg’s other commitments, including his position as a morning host on Hot 97 and his work with WWE, provide him with alternative professional outlets.

The changes may also result in Hahn shifting from his current role alongside former NFL player Bart Scott to co-hosting in the afternoon. If this occurs, Scott is expected to remain in the 10 a.m.-1 p.m. time slot, potentially teaming up with Dan Graca. This adjustment could lead to the removal of Mike Greenberg’s national show from the local airwaves on 880 AM.

ESPN New York has seen notable transformations in recent years under its partnership with Craig Karmazin’s Good Karma Brands, which manages marketing, sales, and signal operations while ESPN oversees content. Earlier in 2024, the station transitioned from 98.7 FM to 880 AM through an agreement with Audacy, WFAN’s parent company. As part of its evolution, the station has abandoned Nielsen Audio ratings in favor of prioritizing its dedicated ESPN New York app as a primary platform.

Although internal discussions reportedly considered moving Rick DiPietro and Dave Rothenberg’s growing morning show to the afternoon slot, current indications suggest they will remain in their existing time frame.

Should Michael Kay, 63, step away from the afternoon show, it would mark the end of an era in New York sports radio. His long-standing rivalry with WFAN’s Mike Francesa defined a significant chapter in the city’s broadcasting history, with ratings battles often capturing as much attention as New York’s professional teams. With Francesa already retired from the afternoon scene, Kay’s potential departure could signal the conclusion of this storied period in local sports radio.

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