Rumors are intensifying about Shannon Sharpe's potential return to ESPN following Skip Bayless's confirmed appearance on *First Take*. Although reports indicate Sharpe's return is not currently considered, past statements from ESPN suggest otherwise.
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Rumors about Shannon Sharpe potentially returning to ESPN are gaining traction after the network confirmed that Skip Bayless will make a one-time appearance on First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith.
The reunion between Smith and Bayless has sparked fresh conversation around whether Sharpe could eventually make his own comeback to the network. While Front Office Sports reported that a return for Sharpe is “not currently under consideration,” the report also noted that ESPN had previously said the same thing about Bayless before arranging his highly publicized appearance.
The renewed speculation comes at a time when Smith’s influence inside ESPN appears stronger than ever. The longtime First Take host recently signed a reported $100 million contract extension and has become increasingly involved behind the scenes as an executive producer on the show. With senior ESPN executive Dave Roberts preparing to retire later this year, Smith’s role within the company is expected to expand even further.
That influence has already been visible in the rollout for Bayless’ appearance. Smith has openly promoted the reunion on-air, telling viewers, “I hope he’s ready. Because I’m not going to take any pity on him.” Bayless leaned into the hype himself, posting on X in all caps that the show would be “EPIC” and “LEGENDARY.”
Sharpe has also made it clear in recent months that he would welcome a return to ESPN if the opportunity presented itself. During Super Bowl week earlier this year, the Hall of Fame tight end said he remained open to reuniting with Smith on television.
Currently, a return for Shannon Sharpe to ESPN is not under consideration, according to reports.
The rumors were sparked by Skip Bayless's upcoming one-time appearance on *First Take* alongside Stephen A. Smith.
ESPN previously stated that Skip Bayless's return was not under consideration before arranging his highly publicized appearance.
ESPN confirmed Skip Bayless's one-time appearance on *First Take* alongside Stephen A. Smith.
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“That’s not my call,” Sharpe said. “I would love to go back if they were to call. But obviously, I’m more than willing, I’m more than capable.”
Sharpe originally joined ESPN after leaving FS1’s Undisputed in 2023 following the collapse of his long-running partnership with Bayless. Smith later recruited him to appear regularly on First Take, where Sharpe quickly became one of the show’s most recognizable personalities.
His chemistry with Smith — along with his humor and NFL insight — helped elevate the program, while his podcasts, Club Shay Shay and Nightcap, continued to grow into major digital brands.
His ESPN run ended in 2025 after the fallout from a civil lawsuit filed by an ex-girlfriend. The case was later settled, and Sharpe stepped away from the network during the controversy.
Even after his departure, Sharpe’s relationship with Smith appears intact. The two recently reunited publicly during a live Nightcap event on Radio Row.
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