Is Fox Sports’ Skip Bayless heading back to ESPN?

Front Office Sports is reporting that Fox Sports personality Skip Bayless may be formulating a return to ESPN, reuniting with Stephen A. Smith on “First Take.”

• Bayless’ deal with Fox Sports reportedly ends in 2020.
• Smith and Bayless previously partnered on “Embrace Debate” that put them both in the national spotlight.
• Both are said to be interested in a reunion on Disney owned ESPN.
• Some sources say that ESPN may not be able to meet Fox’s salary.
• However, others say that Fox is also focusing more on cost control that could mean the network won’t offer as big of bucks as in days past.
• ESPN has also shown a willingness to pay big for talent that draws eyeballs — including reportedly renewing Smith in a megadeal. s