ESPN eyeing plan to extend ‘Pardon the Interruption’ after cancellation of ‘Around the Horn’

With the forthcoming cancellation of “Around the Horn” next year, one of ESPN executives’ initial ideas to precede “Pardon the Interruption” in their afternoon lineup is more “Pardon the Interruption,” sources briefed on the discussions told The Athletic.

ESPN has made overtures to expand the long-running hit featuring Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon from a half-hour to an hour. Kornheiser, 76, and Wilbon, 66, have been kibitzing on the 30-minute show for nearly a quarter century.

ESPN is still in the process of figuring out what it will do next in regards to the weekday 5 p.m. timeslot, but this is one of its top ideas. When reached, the network declined to comment.

ESPN broached the possibility of an afternoon show with Shannon Sharpe during his contract talks earlier this year. Sharpe also has a very lucrative YouTube show in partnership with Colin Cowherd’s The Volume. Having more of the combo of Stephen A. Smith and Sharpe, who team up on Mondays and Tuesdays on “First Take,” is something that has appealed to ESPN executives. Smith is on the verge of a $20 million per year deal that will likely be for five years.

For now, though, an expanded PTI is at the forefront of discussions. It would be doubling down on a successful show. Kornheiser and Wilbon would likely receive raises if they are to agree to extend their on-air time by another half hour.

ESPN still has time to make its decisions as “Around the Horn” is not scheduled to have its final programs until the summer.

Required reading

(Photo: Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images)