Before becoming stars of debate shows, Marcellus Wiley and Max Kellerman teamed up at ESPN LA to host a popular local radio show. Starting in 2010, they presented Max & Marcellus during the afternoon drive, broadcasting from the city where Wiley grew up and Kellerman came to cherish. Even after moving on to talk shows at FS1 and ESPN, the two remained close. Following Kellerman’s layoff from ESPN in 2023, Wiley has shared insights about his former partner on his YouTube channel.
Most recently, in an appearance on the Hoops Talk with Allen Sliwa podcast, Wiley suggested that a reunion might be imminent. “Max and I still talk, and we talk about that as well,” Wiley stated. “(It’s) inevitable. Sooner or later, we’re going to have to grab that golden ticket out of our back pockets and play it. We know we are. We don’t know when, and when that happens, it’s going to be a great day because we have such a built-in audience.”
Wiley first hinted at a potential project with Kellerman in late 2023, shortly after Kellerman left ESPN. Since then, the former First Take host has maintained a notably low profile. Although many might expect him to stay in the limelight, Wiley recently clarified that Kellerman is enjoying his buyout from ESPN and is taking advantage of the opportunity to stay out of the spotlight.
While he didn’t express interest in commentary for Netflix’s Paul-Tyson fight or in taking over the morning slot at FS1 following Skip Bayless’s departure, it appears that Kellerman could soon emerge from his hiatus and re-enter the media scene. “If there’s a prediction, it could happen this year, but I would bet by 2026 … we’re gonna get something rolling,” Wiley noted. “Because Max will be back at it, doing his thing.” Given Kellerman’s diverse background in political talk and various sports formats, he could make a comeback anywhere—yet, from Wiley’s hints, it seems likely that it may involve a revival of Max & Marcellus.
