Why Pat McAfee made generous decision to pay USA hockey’s six-figure tab at Miami nightclub
Why Pat McAfee made generous decision to pay USA hockey’s six-figure tab at Miami nightclub initially appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The United States males’s Olympic hockey crew introduced house its first gold in 46 years, so in fact, the gamers had to have a good time.
commercial
After clinching a historic 2–1 time beyond regulation victory in opposition to Canada in Milan, the American squad discovered themselves rerouted to Miami due to winter storms within the Northeast. The detour changed into a legendary evening at the long-lasting E11EVEN nightclub, the place the gold medalists have been welcomed by an enormous video display message from ESPN’s Pat McAfee.
“Boys, thank you for representing the United States of America in such a great way,” McAfee introduced in a video performed for the membership. “Tonight, all of your drinks are on me.”
The former NFL punter stayed true to his phrase, reportedly selecting up a staggering $150,000 bar tab because the crew celebrated with cigars, Armand de Brignac champagne, and a club-wide rendition of the nationwide anthem. From Jack Hughes’s time beyond regulation heroics in Italy to a six-figure celebration in Florida, the celebration has formally transitioned from an on-ice triumph to a pink, white, and blue cultural second.
MORE: Why Connor Hellebuyck is receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom
commercial
USA Hockey will get free drinks from Pat McAfee
Just a day after profitable the gold medal in Milan, the US males’s hockey crew discovered themselves in Miami, the place they took the celebration to one other degree at the membership E11EVEN.
At the membership, the ESPN character Pat McAfee shocked the crew, showing on the venue’s large LED screens to announce that each one drinks have been on him. McAfee’s message was a tribute to the crew’s historic feat: “Thank you for representing the United States of America in such a great way, it was an honor to watch you win, enjoy the hell out of it. Tonight, all of your drinks are on me.”
The evening was fueled by bottles of Armand de Brignac “Ace of Spades” champagne and E11EVEN Vodka, a lot of which was sprayed into the gang by the gamers. Captain Auston Matthews, Brady Tkachuk, and time beyond regulation hero Jack Hughes—nonetheless sporting a gap-toothed grin after dropping his entrance tooth within the remaining—led the membership in an enormous rendition of the nationwide anthem.
commercial
The crew spent the evening at the membership earlier than the bulk boarded a authorities plan to Washington DC on Tuesday. They arrived at the White House for a gathering within the Oval Office with the President earlier than heading to the Capitol, the place they acquired a two-minute standing ovation from either side of the aisle through the State of the Union deal with.
MORE: Biggest winners, losers for American Olympians in 2026
What is Pat McAfee’s web value?
As of early 2026, Pat McAfee’s web value is estimated to be roughly $60 million.
His wealth has grown considerably by a sequence of large media offers and a profitable transition from the NFL to broadcasting. McAfee is at the moment in a five-year settlement with ESPN value roughly $85 million, which interprets to roughly $17 million per yr for licensing The Pat McAfee Show and his weekly appearances on College GameDay.
commercial
Prior to becoming a member of ESPN, he signed a landmark four-year, $120 million take care of FanDuel in 2021. Although he opted out of that contract early to transfer to the Worldwide Leader in Sports, it solidified his standing as one of many highest-paid people within the historical past of sports activities media.
Beyond his main present, his earnings are bolstered by his eight-year NFL profession with the Indianapolis Colts, the place he earned roughly $15 million in wage. His diversified portfolio additionally consists of his work as a commentator and performer for WWE, high-profile endorsements with manufacturers like Lululemon, and the income generated by his personal manufacturing firm, Pat McAfee Inc.
MORE: 10 most viral moments from 2026 Olympics
When is the Pat McAfee present coming again?
The “Pat McAfee Show” returns on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
The “program” is getting back from a scheduled two-week winter hiatus that started after Super Bowl LX. During the break, ESPN stuffed the time slot with “The Rich Eisen Show,” however the boys are again in motion beginning at midday ET. It will summarize its regular slot from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET on ESPN, ESPN+, and their YouTube channel.
commercial
Fittingly for a present primarily based in Indianapolis, the return episode is broadcasting reside from the NFL Scouting Combine.
MORE:Ranking Connor Hellebuyck’s best saves from gold medal game
