Frank Isola comments on Michael Wilbon naming him preferred 'PTI' co-host when Tony Kornheiser retires

ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption" is the highest-rated sports program on television, a distinction it has held for much of its near 25-year run.

The show's simple format remains largely the same, as do its two co-hosts.

ESPN has had little reason to tweak the format or cast.

That is unlikely to change while Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon remain.

Sources tell OutKick that the co-hosts signed new three-year deals earlier this year, with the expectation that both will fulfill their contracts.

Still, both have made more than enough money to walk away at any time of their own accord.

Kornheiser is 78 years old.

Wilbon turns 68 in November.

Wilbon, who is 10 years younger than Kornheiser, was asked by Awful Announcing this week whether he has pondered hosting the show if Kornheiser retires before him.

"We do, because we do," Wilbon said when asked if he's considered continuing the show without his long-time partners.

"With substitutes all along the whole 24 years.

Could I see doing a show with Frank Isola, who I do the show mostly with now when Tony’s out? Yeah, I could do that.

And I think Frank is like Tony and me, and I say that as a point of inclusion, not for anybody to read anything into it.

PTI is Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon.