Why is Skip Bayless leaving FS1? 'Undisputed' host will have final show this summer, per reports

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Skip Bayless
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Long-time sports media personality Skip Bayless is reportedly leaving FS1.

The "Undisputed" show host is set to depart from the network after eight years, according to the New York Post's Ryan Glasspiegel.

Bayless will record the final episode of "Undisputed" "later this summer," per Glasspiegel. Bayless reportedly referred The Post to Fox Sports PR, which declined to comment on the situation.

Why is Bayless leaving FS1? The Sporting News takes a closer look below.

Why is Skip Bayless leaving FS1?

After reportedly signing a four-year, $32 million deal with FS1 back in 2021, Bayless is in the final year of his contract with Fox Sports.

While Bayless has not announced his reasoning for leaving FS1, The Post suggested the drop in "Undisputed's" ratings could be attributed to the decision, as well as the programming around his show.

Just a year ago, Bayless' co-host Shannon Sharpe left the show, and its new format has not drawn the same audience.

Instead of having one consistent debate partner, Bayless has rotated a number of personalities, including Keyshawn Johnson, Michael Irvin, Richard Sherman, Rachel Nichols, and Paul Pierce. None have captured headlines the way Bayless and Sharpe did.

Bayless made the jump to FS1 in 2016 after 12 years at ESPN. He was a trailblazer in turning sports television debate shows into what they are today after his stint on "First Take" with Stephen A. Smith.

Bayless recaptured that magic for a brief moment with Sharpe but has failed to replicate its success since Sharpe's departure in the summer of 2023.

Check back for updates and more information on Bayless' departure from FS1 as they become available.

Is Skip Bayless joining ESPN?

With Bayless' departure from FSI, there was speculation that he may be re-joining ESPN He spent 12 years at the company before FOX Sports in 2016. 

However, ESPN shut down any of those rumors quite quickly. 

"We are set with the current First Take rotation, and wish Skip the best on his future endeavors," an ESPN spokesman said on Tuesday.

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Kyle Irving is an NBA content producer for The Sporting News.
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