ESPN has come to terms on contracts for two members of its roster. The first order of business involves award-winning play-by-play voice Sean McDonough, who has agreed to a new multi-year deal, extending the relationship between both parties for well beyond three decades.
McDonough is expected to continue calling a College Football Playoff Semifinal on ESPN and the CFP National Championship on ESPN Radio, as well as a weekly marquee regular season game on ESPN or ABC. He’ll be paired once again with analyst Todd Blackledge, and field analyst Todd McShay.
“For many viewers, Sean has been a signature voice for their entire fandom, shaping memories of historic sports moments,” said ESPN senior vice president of production, Lee Fitting. “His innate ability to rise to the occasion has been proven time and time again which, along with his broadcasting versatility across a multitude of sports, has defined his career. Having Sean continue to be a mainstay on our signature games enhances our entire production. We’re looking forward to the next chapter of an already remarkable career.”
“While I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had to call many exciting games across a wide array of sports,” said McDonough, “It’s the lifelong friendships with my talented colleagues that mean the most. I’m fortunate to have a dream job that enables me to work with people who have become like family to me.”
The second member to be retained by the network is Chicago-based general assignment reporter, Michele Steele. Steele, who has been with ESPN since 2011, has inked a new multiyear contract to continue in her current role.
During her time with ESPN, Steele has been a versatile on-air contributor. She’s reported on stories and appeared on SportsCenter, NFL Live, Outside the Lines and ESPN’s digital platforms. She’s also been a studio host on SportsCenter and OTL, and delivered features for those shows, as well as SC Featured, E60 and NFL Countdown. The past year saw her add video and written projects too for ESPN’s ‘The Undefeated’.
“The core of what I do is original reporting, adding texture and depth to the games that we all love,” said Steele. “I pride myself in my ability to find and tell original stories that not only challenge us to think – but ask us to feel.
“In a time where we are physically apart from each other, sharing stories that speak to our connections as fans takes on an even greater role,” she said. “While we may live our lives very differently in 2020, the things that bind us never went away.”
