ESPN’s Rece Davis has agreed to a new seven-year contract with the network, according to The Athletic, despite receiving a more lucrative offer from Fox Sports.
Davis reportedly took a “hometown discount” to remain with ESPN, where he’s worked for three decades.
The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reports the deal is worth “tens of millions of dollars” and will keep Davis at ESPN through the 2031-32 season.
Fox Sports had targeted Davis to become the host of Big Noon Kickoff, replacing Rob Stone.
Davis will continue hosting ESPN’s College GameDay and remain the lead host for College Football Playoff broadcasts.
The Fox offer included additional responsibilities beyond college football. Davis would have led men’s World Cup coverage in 2026 and taken on college basketball announcing duties.
Davis, 59, currently hosts the college basketball GameDay show and calls selected football and basketball games for ESPN.
This marks another recruiting victory for ESPN over Fox Sports in recent talent pursuits. Fox previously lured GameDay contributors Tom Rinaldi and Chris “Bear” Fallica to Big Noon Kickoff.
Fox Sports also attempted to sign Nick Saban last offseason, but the former Alabama coach chose ESPN instead.
