Troy Aikman says ESPN has not begun contract talks as his deal runs through 2027
Aikman indicated that ESPN has not started negotiations on a new contract, suggesting his departure from the network may be likely after he calls the upcoming Super Bowl.
Joe Buck recently secured a $100 million extension with ESPN, prompting speculation that his longtime broadcast partner Troy Aikman would soon receive a similar deal. However, Aikman told Dallas radio station KTCK The Ticket that ESPN has not initiated any contract negotiations with him, and his current agreement runs until May 2027, after he calls the February Super Bowl.
"It just seems to be where they’re going," Aikman said.
Industry observers note that Aikman's contract pays roughly $18 million per year, while ESPN has recently extended higher salaries to other personalities such as Buck, Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee. Some analysts propose that the network may be considering alternative booth partners, including the Manning brothers, former player Jason Kelce, or former Fox analyst Greg Olsen, though no concrete plans have been confirmed.
Aikman's comments come amid broader discussion of ESPN's efforts to stabilize its Monday Night Football broadcast team since 2016, when a series of rotating pairings failed to achieve consistent chemistry. Since Buck and Aikman began working together in 2022, the network has reported improved ratings and a stronger game slate.
The lack of formal negotiations, according to Aikman, leaves the future of his role uncertain, with the possibility that he could leave the network after the Super Bowl.