Megyn Kelly NBC Contract Overview
Megyn Kelly signed a multiyear extension with NBCUniversal in 2017 that moved her from Fox News to NBC News and kept her on the Today show and NBC News specials. The deal reportedly included a guaranteed base salary and bonus structure tied to ratings and appearances across NBC News programming and digital platforms Forbes. The contract made her one of the highest-paid NBC News contributors at the time and gave her a broader role beyond a single anchor chair.
Under the terms of the Megyn Kelly NBC contract, NBC had the right to schedule her on various shows, specials, and breaking news coverage, while Kelly retained some control over certain digital and book projects. The agreement also included standard NBC talent clauses for morality, exclusivity, and social media conduct. NBC did not publicly disclose the full contract value, but multiple outlets estimated the total package at roughly $69 million over four years, with a significant portion guaranteed.
Megyn Kelly NBC Departure and Contract Exit
Megyn Kelly left NBC in 2018 after her contract was not renewed, following controversial on-air remarks about blackface and a subsequent drop in ratings for her daytime show Megyn Kelly Today. NBC and Kelly mutually agreed to end the arrangement early, and the network did not renew her daytime program, which had struggled in the slot against competitors NBC News. The exit marked the end of her high-profile NBC tenure and returned her focus to other media and legal projects.
The Megyn Kelly NBC contract exit did not result in a public lawsuit, and both sides described the separation as a mutual decision rather than a forced termination. Kelly moved on to a new role as a host and contributor at Fox Corporation, while NBC continued to adjust its morning and daytime lineup. Industry analysts noted that the early end of the deal limited the total payout compared with the original multiyear structure.
Megyn Kelly NBC Contract Impact and Legacy
The Megyn Kelly NBC contract is frequently cited as one of the most expensive talent deals in NBC News history and a key example of the high costs networks pay for premium anchors. The deal also highlighted the risks of placing high-salary talent in competitive time slots, as ratings can shift quickly based on audience preferences and on-air controversies NBC News. NBC's decision to end the program early reflected a broader strategy of protecting brand value and minimizing ongoing losses from underperforming shows.
Since leaving NBC, Megyn Kelly has continued to build her personal brand through her Fox News show, book deals, and public commentary, while NBC has focused on other morning and daytime talent. The contract remains a reference point in discussions about talent compensation, network risk management, and the volatility of daytime television ratings. The Megyn Kelly NBC contract is now widely seen as a cautionary case study in high-value talent deals and the importance of aligning on-air content with audience expectations.