Expect to hear a lot more of Joe Buck on ESPN's Monday Night Football, as the iconic color commentator agreed to a new contract worth over $100 million before he calls the network's first Super Bowl in February 2027.
The Athletic reports that Buck has agreed to a new six-year deal worth upwards of $100 million that will keep him under contract until at least ESPN's next Super Bowl in 2031. Sources had to speak under anonymity because they weren't allowed to discuss it publicly.
According to The Athletic, his annual salary will increase to $18 million, three million more than his current rate. He is in the midst of the final season of his current five-year, $75-million contract.
However, his longtime broadcast partner, Troy Aikman, is still unsigned. His five-year, $90-million contract expires after Super Bowl 61. They are the longest-running booth pairing in NFL history as they are a week into their 25th season together, so expect ESPN to try to keep them together.
ESPN executive vice president of communications Josh Krulewitz wouldn't address Buck's new contract âÂÂbefore the Super Bowl,â but he did say the network's âÂÂentire focus is on bringing fans the best possible football coverage,â which will culminate with the big game in February.
Joe Buck and Troy Aikman's jump to ESPN for NFL Monday Night Football
é Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
Buck and Aikman made waves in 2022, jumping to ESPN on five-year deals. They had previously been with FOX for several years, leading to Kevin Burkhardt being promoted to the network's top team.
He was paired with Tom Brady, who famously signed a 10-year, $375 million contract with FOX. Joe Davis took over Buck's role as the network's World Series play-by-play announcer.
Buck and Aikman are ESPN's main duo for Monday Night Football. However, Peyton and Eli Manning host an alternate broadcast, the ManningCast, during certain games.