Paul Finebaum is “very close” to leaving ESPN for a move into national politics, according to Front Office Sports. The longtime SEC radio and TV host, whose current ESPN contract runs through mid-2027, is expected to decide on his political future after the college football season concludes, sources told Front Office Sports.

• You can watch The ACC Network live for FREE with DirecTV (free trial), with Fubo (free trial), or streaming live on ESPN Unlimited ($29.99/month). Currently, Fubo, Sling, and DirecTV are the best major streaming services that carry ABC and ESPN Networks. All of these platforms offer either a free trial or promotional discounts for new sign-ups.

ESPN heads into a highly anticipated Eagles-Packers “Monday Night Football” matchup without a carriage deal on YouTube TV -- but with viewership still tracking up 6% from the same point last season and on pace for the network’s second-best figure at this point since 2006.