Former ESPN and SiriusXM sports broadcaster Michelle Beadle, 49, is teasing a potential pivot to travel television after sharing highlights from her recent vacation in Croatia. The trip, which included sightseeing, relaxing by the water, and a scenic boat ride, sparked speculation about her next career move.
From Sports to Travel?
Beadle posted a behind-the-scenes recap of her Croatian adventure on Instagram Sunday, captioning it: “My Croatia Dump is here. (We really should come up with better terminology.) Until next time… Or I get a damn travel show…” The playful remark hints at her interest in expanding beyond sports media, where she’s been a prominent figure for years.
Her Croatia trip comes just weeks after her abrupt exit from SiriusXM, where she co-hosted “Beadle and Decker” with Cody Decker. The show was replaced in June by a new program featuring longtime ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, which reportedly blindsided Beadle.
Clashing with Stephen A. Smith
Beadle didn’t hold back in criticizing SiriusXM’s handling of her departure, particularly the lack of advance notice. “All I ask is to be treated with respect,” she said during her final broadcast, with Decker jokingly shouting “fired!” in the background.
In a later interview with Front Office Sports, Beadle doubled down on her frustration, taking aim at Smith, her former ESPN colleague. “It’s a reminder: We’re just all pieces of s–t to someone. If you forgot, there it is,” she said. “I was totally blindsided. Just really embarrassed, to be honest.”
The tension between Beadle and Smith dates back to 2014, when she publicly criticized his controversial remarks about domestic violence following the Ray Rice scandal. “I don’t respect him. I don’t respect his work,” Beadle said. “He made some really piggish comments on the air. I responded; he got suspended for about two weeks. I think that was sort of the beginning of the end.”
What’s Next for Beadle?
Although SiriusXM failed, Beadle is still working in media. Currently, she co-hosts “Run It Back” on FanDuel TV with former NBA players Chandler Parsons and Lou Williams. She also co-hosts the “Over the Top” podcast with Peter Rosenberg for Wondery and works for some San Antonio Spurs broadcasts.
Her trip to Croatia, though, hints that she might be looking for new prospects. A travel show would be a logical next step, combining her warm on-camera personality with an enthusiasm for discovery. Viewers have already begun expressing enthusiasm on social media for the possibility, with some recommending she follow in the footsteps of celebrities such as Anthony Bourdain or Samantha Brown.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Beadle’s professional journey has had its fair share of highs and lows. Following her ascension to fame at ESPN, she parted ways with the network in 2019 amidst reported feuds regarding her position. Post-departure, she’s found a more diversified media platform, ranging from podcasting to guest commentating.
Her candor regarding industry woes—such as her SiriusXM departure—has struck a chord with others. “A little respect would have been nice,” she said, recalling the abrupt career switch. But her Croatia escape and travel-show setup suggest determination and reinvention.
Looking Ahead
While Beadle hasn’t confirmed any formal travel-show plans, her social media hints suggest she’s considering it. Whether she returns to sports full-time or ventures into travel television, one thing is clear: Michelle Beadle isn’t done making waves in media.
For now, fans can catch her on FanDuel TV—or watch for potential travel content inspired by her Croatian escape. “Until next time,” she teased, leaving the door wide open for what’s next.