ESPN has finalized a six-year contract extension with Joe Buck, securing his services through the 2031 Super Bowl in a deal worth $108 million. The agreement raises Buck’s annual salary from $15 million to $18 million, according to reports from The Athletic and Newsweek.
Buck’s new contract ensures his continued role as the lead play-by-play announcer for Monday Night Football, a position he shares with longtime broadcast partner Troy Aikman. The two have called NFL games together for 25 years, including their recent move from Fox Sports to ESPN in 2022.
Buck’s deal ranks among ESPN’s highest-paid talent contracts, placing him behind Stephen A. Smith ($21 million annually) and Pat McAfee ($30 million annually). McAfee’s contract includes separate licensing agreements for his daily studio show and additional appearances on programs like College GameDay and Monday Night Countdown. Reports indicate McAfee is in ongoing discussions with ESPN for a renewal reportedly worth $65 million per year.
Troy Aikman’s contract situation remains unresolved, with his current five-year deal set to expire after Super Bowl LXI in February. Both Buck and Aikman have expressed satisfaction with their roles at ESPN. Aikman stated in August, “I have no plans to leave ESPN. I'm enjoying my broadcasting career as much as I ever have.” ESPN has not publicly confirmed whether Aikman’s future with the network has been finalized.
The contracts for Buck, Aikman, Smith, and McAfee reflect ESPN’s strategy under chairman Jimmy Pitaro, which prioritizes securing high-profile on-air talent to strengthen the network’s sports coverage. Buck’s extension ensures continuity for Monday Night Football, one of the NFL’s most-watched programs, while Aikman’s pending contract decision remains a key storyline for the network’s future broadcasting lineup.
Buck, whose broadcasting career spans over three decades, began his career in the early 1990s following in the footsteps of his father, legendary broadcaster Jack Buck. He previously served as Fox Sports’ lead play-by-play voice for NFL games and World Series baseball before joining ESPN in 2022. His partnership with Aikman has been widely regarded as one of the most successful in sports broadcasting history.
ESPN’s investment in Buck and other top talent underscores the network’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in sports media, particularly in the high-stakes NFL broadcasting landscape.