Dan Patrick has signed a new multiyear contract extension with NBC Sports and iHeartMedia, ensuring that his popular show, The Dan Patrick Show, will continue running through the end of 2027. This announcement comes after Patrick had previously hinted at his retirement, causing speculation about his future. However, Patrick clarified that his retirement announcement came before his contract extension, comparing it to an “Elton John Farewell Tour” that will span several years.
Patrick, a former ESPN anchor and radio host, ventured out on his own in 2007, syndicating his show through iHeartMedia’s Premiere Networks. He joined NBC Sports as a host on Football Night in America the following year and began streaming his radio show on NBC’s Peacock in 2020. Under the new deals with iHeartMedia and NBC Sports, Patrick will continue hosting his daily show, which will also be simulcast on Peacock.
When asked about his decision to extend his contract, Patrick stated that it made sense given his comfort with the people at NBC Sports and his desire for creative freedom. He sees this opportunity as a chance to finish his career on his own terms and continue doing what he loves. Patrick’s show, an evolution of his former ESPN Radio program, combines discussions about sports and pop culture, and the addition of the Peacock simulcast has allowed them to create a more engaging and visually appealing experience for viewers.
Patrick emphasized the freedom he has in creating content for both radio and television and described it as a great challenge. Without a script or strict parameters, he and his team, known as “The Danettes,” are able to adapt and create content that sounds good on radio and looks good on TV. This flexibility and the three-hour time slot they have each day allows them to experiment and constantly evolve their show.
Regarding his decision to announce his retirement four and a half years ahead of time, Patrick explained that it was a way to address the constant questions he receives about his future. By making his retirement plans public, he hoped to alleviate the curiosity surrounding his career and provide clarity to his colleagues. At 71 years old, Patrick acknowledges that he is likely the oldest person in his genre, and he sees the upcoming years as a fulfilling conclusion to his career.
Overall, Dan Patrick’s contract extension with NBC Sports and iHeartMedia ensures that fans will continue to enjoy The Dan Patrick Show for several more years. With his experience and creative freedom, Patrick and his team will continue delivering engaging and entertaining sports and pop culture discussions to audiences on both radio and television.