Paul Finebaum Says ESPN Benched Him as Contract Nears Expiration
Paul Finebaum has confirmed he was benched by ESPN, and his contract with the network expires at the end of the current football season.
Mobile Pensacola, AL, October 22, 2026 —
Paul Finebaum has confirmed that ESPN benched him, while his contract with the network is set to expire at the end of the current football season. The available information does not specify when the benching began or how it affects his work for ESPN.
No reason for the decision was provided. It is also unclear whether the network has discussed renewing Finebaum’s contract, whether he plans to continue working with ESPN, or what may happen after the current season. The length and terms of the contract were not provided.
The description of Finebaum as “benched” does not establish whether the change is temporary or permanent, or whether it applies to a particular program or assignment. No details were provided about any replacement, changes to ESPN programming, or the network’s response.
The confirmed information is limited to Finebaum’s statement that ESPN benched him and the reported timing of his contract’s expiration. Without further details, the circumstances behind the decision and its implications for his future at the network remain unclear.
Story summarized from the original created by Mark Heim on www.al.com, see more information here.
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