Will Dan Patrick, who has spent 18 years being one of ESPN’s signature faces and voices, be leaving the network to replace Bob Barker?
Over the weekend, industry sources confirmed to me that Patrick was indeed “a leader,” to be the host of the popular TV game show, “The Price Is Right.”
However, those sources also told me that he had turned down the offer. Patrick will make his announcement official on his 1 p.m. radio program.
He is still working on a contract with ESPN and it is likely that his name will come up for some other high profile jobs along the way.
It is no secret that Patrick has seen a number of people get multi-million dollar deals from ESPN. Chris Berman and Mike Tirico have cashed in as the network has grown in popularity and stature.
ESPN Original Entertainment has spawned many shows and generated million-dollar deals for non-Bristol personalities, like two of our local favorites — Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser of PTI.
This will be Patrick’s time to cash-in with the network.
It is no secret that ESPN Radio needs Patrick with his 1-4 p.m. show being the most popular on the network. He is in his second year as the studio host of “NBA Countdown” pregame show and his popularity remains high on all of ESPN’s many platforms.
So today could be the day that we see if ESPN and Dan Patrick ink a long term deal — or if he is possibly headed elsewhere. His radio show will certainly be worth a listen.
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this! on www.examiner.com.
