Joe Buck just locked down a staggering $108 million deal over six seasons with ESPN, a massive new contract that comes amidst reports his legendary broadcasting partner, Troy Aikman, won’t have his contract renewed by the network. This isn’t just a big number for Buck, it looks like a sign that one of American sports’ pre-eminent broadcasting duos is headed for a split.
Buck’s new deal blows his old one, a five-year contract worth $15 million a season, out of the water. He’s clearly seen as a cornerstone. But while Buck’s future at ESPN seems rock solid, Aikman’s is anything but. The former 90s quarterback, who ended his NFL playing career in 2001 because his body was aching, feels his voice is still in fine working order in the booth. The problem is, he’s claimed his bosses at ESPN might not agree.
This potential breakup comes even as the duo have carved out seriously lucrative and successful careers together at a time when TV audiences elsewhere are actually falling. For a quarter of a century, Aikman has been half of this powerhouse team, and it’s wild to think his exit from the booth might not be as clear-cut as his playing days retirement was.
So, what’s next for Monday Night Football? Will Aikman really be out, and if so, who steps in alongside Buck? This is a huge shake-up for how we watch primetime football, and everyone will be watching to see how it plays out for the upcoming season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Guardian.
Leave a Reply