Whether you’re a die-hard Denver Broncos fan, an avid follower of all things ESPN, or simply a pop culture sponge, you’ve likely heard of the Club Shay Shay podcast. The show, which is hosted by Super Bowl champion Shannon Sharpe, has made headlines, gone viral and shocked audiences for years now, delivering landmark interviews with the likes of Katt Williams, Mark Cuban, Usher, Chad Ochocinco and more. Hardcore Club Shay Shay fans were dismayed recently, when Sharpe became embroiled in a massive scandal that threatened his finances, livelihood and future as a media personality. Thanks to a few nebulously worded headlines, some felt that Club Shay Shay was on the chopping block, especially after Sharpe was let go from ESPN after settling a $50 million sexual assault lawsuit.

Since the podcast host has been all over the headlines lately, now seems like as good a time as any to explore exactly what happened to Shannon Sharpe and how his legal extracurriculars have impacted Club Shay Shay. Those wondering about the future of the pod should be sure to read ahead, as we outline what’s next for Sharpe and his media empire.

What happened to Shannon Sharpe?

As stated above, Shannon Sharpe recently found himself settling out of court with a woman who had accused him of sexual assault. The woman, known only as “Jane Doe” in the April filing, sought a payout of $50 million for pain and suffering, alleging that the NFL champion had sexually violated her in an encounter that left her emotionally distressed, embarrassed and humiliated.

Sharpe and his lawyers were quick to deny these claims, with the retired tight end specifically arguing that he and the unnamed woman had engaged in a fully consensual sexual relationship. His lawyer even maligned the suit as a financially motivated “shakedown.” No criminal charges were filed. Despite the arguments from both sides, Sharpe finally agreed to settle out of court in July, to the tune of an undisclosed multi-million dollar sum.

Though Shannon Sharpe admitted no wrongdoing and continues to deny the accusations against him, the settlement was enough of a red flag for the higher-ups at ESPN to lose faith in his hosting abilities. The network quickly cut ties with Sharpe, effectively ending his years-long partnership with the sports entertainment brand. During a recent episode of the Nightcap podcast, which Shannon Sharpe co-hosts alongside Chad Ochocinco, the Super Bowl champion stated that he was “at peace” with the split, though he argued that the network should have waited to make the announcement.

Specifically, Sharpe highlighted his brother Sterling’s recent induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, explaining that he felt the announcement took away from the momentous occasion. “They did what they felt they needed to do, and I’m at peace with that,” Sharpe explained, “I just wish this thing could have waited until Monday because I hate the fact that I’ve overshadowed my brother. The first two brothers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and this is what the headline is going to be for the next couple of days.”

What company owns ‘Club Shay Shay’?

Though Club Shay Shay was initially released as a Fox Sports podcast back in 2020, the series has since been acquired by a podcast network known as The Volume. Sharpe personally owns a portion of the show via his Shay Shay Media umbrella. Currently, the series is still operating under a multi-year contract with The Volume, with no signs of slowing or stopping.

As far as the fans can tell, it looks like Club Shay Shay will be entirely uninterrupted by the legal scandal. At the time of this writing, the most recent episode of the series includes a nearly three hour-long discussion with rap icon Scarface, captured in front of a live studio audience. All 176 episodes and counting can be found on YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Does ‘Club Shay Shay’ pay guests?

Since Shannon Sharpe is such a well-respected and well-paid athlete, many fans have wondered if guests are paid to come on his show. Shannon answered this question in a 2024 social media post, explaining simply, “we don’t pay guests.” His comments specifically were made regarding Louisiana rapper Boosie Badazz, as the controversial hip hop legend has repeatedly refused to make unpaid appearances.

Despite this roadblock, guests like Katt Williams have gone mega-viral thanks to their interviews with Sharpe, making the Club Shay Shay hot seat a highly sought-after honor. Some performers may find that a particularly viral interview will open doors for more streams, ticket sales and social media followers. A similar example would be the Super Bowl halftime stage, as performers are not financially compensated for their appearance. Instead, a headlining performance is considered to be paid in massive exposure.

How much does Shannon Sharpe make for his podcast?

It’s hard to say exactly how much money Club Shay Shay brings in each week, especially since we don’t have access to the exact revenue splits between Shannon, The Volume and any other stakeholders in the business. We can surmise that the show draws in a six-figure sum per episode based on YouTube ad data and brand partnerships alone, thanks to the massive viewership numbers. Sharpe was also rumored to be signing a $100 million podcast deal back in April, though it’s unclear if that contract was impacted by the legal controversies he has suffered in the months since. Either way, it seems clear that Sharpe is clearing major numbers with Club Shay Shay and will continue to do so for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shannon Sharpe have kids?

Shannon Sharpe has three children, named Kiari, Kayla and Kaley. All three kids spoke at Sharpe’s 2011 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, following remarks from Sharpe himself. Per a write-up in People, the NFL legend specifically thanked his children for inspiring him, stating, “As I stand here at the end of my journey, I know I wouldn’t be here without my family… Thank you for making all those sacrifices that other kids never had to make, so your dad could live out his dream.”

What is the liquor on Club Shay Shay?

Each episode of Club Shay Shay features a pair of alcoholic beverages displayed prominently on the table. This beverage is called Le Portier Shay VSOP Cognac, and actually comes from Shannon Sharpe’s own personal cognac brand. Per Sharpe’s comments on the show, the liquor has been produced from natural ingredients and traditional methods, even aging for an extended period of time inside oak barrels from France.

What is Shannon Sharpe’s annual salary?

Though we don’t have the exact figures, it’s estimated that Shannon Sharpe currently makes over $10 million annually. This number is derived from the football legend’s many business and entertainment entities and his various investments. Sharpe earned over $22 million in salary alone during his NFL career, and previously took home $6.5 million annually while serving as a commentator for ESPN. Even with the ESPN revenue lost, Shannon is poised to make millions through Club Shay Shay, Nightcap, Le Portier Shay VSOP Cognac sales and more.