Skip Bayless confirms shock Undisputed and Fox exit – but bizarrely no mention of him leaving during final live TV show

SKIP Bayless has officially parted ways with Undisputed and FS1 — and he left quietly.

The veteran sportscaster confirmed July reports of his upcoming exit on Friday.

Undisputed/FS1

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Former FS1 talent Marcellus Wiley suggested on his podcast Thursday that Bayless’ last day on the set would come the following morning.

Bayless , 72, didn’t mention his departure at all during Friday’s Undisputed .

But right as he ended the show, the sportscaster confirmed the news on X.

“Today was my last show on Undisputed,” Skip wrote .

“I’m leaving FS1. I’ve been planning to pursue other opportunities for several months.

“I had a great 8-year run with a lot of great people at FOX, but now I’m excited for what’s coming up. Stay tuned.”

Bayless launched Undisputed together with NFL Hall-of-Famer Shannon Sharpe in 2016.

Sharpe left the show last year following months of rising tensions between the pair.

The breakup prompted significant changes on the set.

After a weeks-long hiatus, Skip returned with a refreshed cast, featuring Keyshawn Johnson, Richard Sherman, and Michael Irvin.

Boston Celtics icon Paul Pierce and long-time NBA reporter Rachel Nichols later joined in as guest analysts.

The expanded panel emphasized the change to Undisputed’s format with Bayless effectively taking on the role of the moderator.

But the show struggled coming up against ESPN’s First Take, which had snapped up Sharpe following his FS1 departure, in the morning weekday slot.

As the months went on, Stephen A. Smith and Co. started to outperform Skip’s crew in the battle for TV viewers by a margin of 10 to 1.

Last Take

Skip Bayless sent shock waves through the sports media when he announced he is leaving FS1 show Undisputed after eight years.

Last year he lost his FS1 sparring partner Shannon Sharpe to ESPN’s First Take.

And that has thrown open the possibility of Bayless following Sharpe to ESPN in a shock return.

Bayless previously worked for ESPN for 12 years and sat opposite Stephen A. Smith.

But an ESPN spokesperson said, “We are set with the current ‘ First Take ’ rotation, and wish Skip the best on his future endeavors.”

“The Fox Sports family thanks Skip Bayless for his outstanding contributions at FS1,” Fox Sports wrote in a statement .

As a founding member of the show Undisputed and known as the godfather of sports debate, Skip has been a cornerstone of our network and a driving force in sports commentary.

“His passion, insight, and distinctive voice have entertained audiences and captivated sports fans throughout the years.

“We wish Skip continued success in his future endeavors.”

It’s unclear what comes next for Bayless.

ESPN has made it clear that a reunion with Sharpe and Stephen A. is not in the cards in response to speculations that Skip could rejoin The Worldwide Leader.

“We are set with the current First Take rotation, and wish Skip the best on his future endeavors,” the network told Front Office Sports last month.

FS1 finds itself in need of a new star just as a number of prominent TV free agents could become available over the next year.

Stephen A. is yet to extend his contract with ESPN with the First Take star reportedly demanding a salary of over $20 million per year.

Also, Inside the NBA cast — featuring Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and host Ernie Johnson — might soon look for a new employer with TNT looking set to lose NBA broadcast rights after the 2024-25 season.

Fans bid farewell to Bayless after his surprisingly quiet FS1 exit.

“Love him or hate him, Skip Bayless is one of the GOATs of sports media,” one posted on X.

People will hate on Skip Bayless but Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith are not where they are today in the media space without him,” another added.

“Best of luck Skip Bayless,” a third said.