When Skip Bayless left FS1, some wondered if the network could maintain Undisputed’s draw without him, per TheSpun. The sports analyst and commentator, who had built a polarizing brand, left an eight-year run on FS1’s flagship show for a new direction after signing a notable four-year extension in 2021. However, Fox Sports appeared ready for a shift, as Undisputed had been facing difficulties: a dwindling audience, the exit of co-host Shannon Sharpe to ESPN’s First Take, and a few months off-air for a reset.

Since Bayless’s departure, Fox Sports has rolled out two fresh programs, Breakfast Ball and The Facility, taking over timeslots once dominated by Bayless and his rotating panel. While neither of these shows boasts big-name analysts, they appear to have done their job so far, with little noticeable loss in viewership. The Facility has drawn an average of 121,000 viewers during its first two months on air, a near-exact match to Undisputed’s numbers from the same period last year. In other words, FS1’s ratings show that Bayless may not have been as irreplaceable as previously thought.

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Competing with ESPN and Moving Forward Without Bayless

In its current form, The Facility consists of a sports-savvy panel featuring Emmanuel Acho, Chase Daniel, James Jones, and LeSean McCoy, former NFL players who bring their insight, humor, and relatability to the screen. While these younger analysts bring a fresh, new vibe to FS1, they’re also matching Bayless’s Undisputed stats. On average, the program draws around 154,000 viewers each Monday, slightly below Bayless’s previous 161,000—a negligible difference, considering the budget-friendly shift from Bayless’s high salary. Given the challenges of competing with ESPN's First Take, hosted by Stephen A. Smith, FS1’s steady numbers in Bayless's absence reveal an ability to retain a loyal audience even without him.

For Bayless, who has yet to announce his next career step, the post-FS1 landscape might prove more challenging. While his reputation as a hot-take expert remains, his departure from FS1 has shown that perhaps FS1’s success didn’t rest entirely on his shoulders. As The Facility continues to develop, Fox Sports might find that a fresh, dynamic panel approach can stand the test of time without the need for Bayless’s polarizing presence. As it looks now, Bayless doesn't have much leverage based on these numbers. Hopefully, he can figure something fruitful out for his future.