Contract talks raise uncertainty for ESPN's Buck-Aikman Super Bowl broadcast
Reports of a contract dispute between Troy Aikman and ESPN have prompted speculation about the stability of the Buck-Aikman announcing team ahead of the network's first Super Bowl telecast.
Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are scheduled to call the NFL's championship game for ESPN later this season, marking their first Super Bowl together since 2020. The duo, who moved from Fox to ESPN in 2022, have been the lead commentary team for Monday Night Football.
According to recent reports, Aikman has not yet received a contract extension from ESPN, and a disagreement with Buck was mentioned in media coverage. The situation has led to commentary from former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason on his WFAN show.
"You know what’s interesting now that we’re about six weeks into the NFL? I mean, could this end before the season ends?" Esiason said, questioning whether the partnership might change before the Super Bowl.
Co-host Gregg Giannotti responded that Aikman is unlikely to leave before the championship broadcast, and Esiason added that he does not believe Aikman would walk away.
Industry observers note that the unresolved contract negotiations could affect ESPN's preparation for the Super Bowl. The network has not confirmed any changes to the announcing lineup, and both Buck and Aikman have previously worked through disagreements on air.