Joe Buck Signs $108M ESPN Deal, Securing 'Monday Night Football' Voice Through 2031

Key points

• Joe Buck signed a six-year extension with ESPN worth around $108 million, increasing his annual salary from $15 million to $18 million.
• The contract keeps Buck as the lead play-by-play voice for 'Monday Night Football' through the 2030 NFL season, covering Super Bowls 61 and 65.
• Troy Aikman, Buck's color analyst partner, remains unsigned; his five-year, $90 million deal expires after the 2026 Super Bowl.
• ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro has expressed interest in having Buck call the World Series if the network acquires MLB rights in 2029, though this is not guaranteed in the current contract.
• Buck is now the highest-paid play-by-play announcer in the NFL, though he trails Stephen A. Smith and potentially Pat McAfee in overall network compensation.

Background

In March 2022, Joe Buck and Troy Aikman left Fox Sports to join ESPN in a high-profile move that reshaped NFL broadcasting. Buck previously spent 27 years at Fox, serving as the lead voice for both NFL and MLB coverage. His new deal follows a period of significant talent movement in sports media, including Tom Brady's move to Fox and various contract negotiations across networks. Buck has also expanded his role at ESPN beyond football, guest-hosting 'Good Morning America' and leading a sports version of 'Jeopardy' on Disney+.

How outlets are covering it

All sources agree on the core terms of the deal: a six-year extension worth approximately $108 million, with an annual salary of $18 million. The New York Times and The Athletic emphasize the uncertainty surrounding Troy Aikman's future, noting that his contract expires after the 2026 Super Bowl and that he is not yet signed. The New York Post highlights the potential for Buck to return to MLB broadcasting if ESPN acquires World Series rights in 2029, a detail also mentioned by The Athletic but not emphasized by Bleacher Report or USA Today. USA Today focuses on the longevity of the deal, noting it keeps Buck at ESPN into the 2030s, while Bleacher Report highlights his status as the highest-paid play-by-play announcer in the NFL. There is no disagreement on the financial figures or the duration of the contract, but the emphasis on MLB rights and Aikman's status varies by outlet.

Why it matters

This contract solidifies ESPN's commitment to its flagship NFL program and secures a marquee talent for the next decade. It also signals the network's strategy to retain high-profile voices in a competitive broadcasting market. The potential for Buck to return to MLB coverage could reshape the landscape for baseball broadcasting if ESPN acquires those rights. Additionally, the deal highlights the ongoing tension in NFL broadcasting, with multiple top-tier announcers facing contract expirations in the near term, potentially leading to further major moves in the industry.

What to watch

The next major development will be the status of Troy Aikman's contract, which expires after the 2026 Super Bowl. ESPN has not yet announced whether he will be retained. Additionally, the outcome of MLB rights negotiations for 2029 will determine if Buck returns to baseball broadcasting. Other NFL broadcasters, including Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit, and Ian Eagle, are also facing contract expirations or potential moves, which could lead to further significant changes in the industry.