ESPN close in on NFL Network broadcast crew but doubts grow over ‘fluid’ Jason Kelce role

Aug 19, 2026 - 07:30

ESPN are finalizing their plans for a new look line broadcast line-up to their first ever NFL Network slate.

The ‘Worldwide Leader in Sports’ acquired NFL Network for approximately $3bn in April – along with it’s schedule match broadcasts.

ESPN acquired NFL Network and it’s assets for $3bn

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That means responsibility for the biggest day of the NFL week – Sunday – falls under their remit, and there are a host of high profile names awaiting their fate.

Fox are already preparing for life after Terry Bradshaw, while Greg Olsen is the name to watch as he enters the final year of his contract with the network – and he is desperate to return to No 1 analyst duties.

Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports has said the network is closing in on naming the broadcast teams for the games.

“Dave Pasch is expected to work with Kurt Warner and Bob Wischusen with Louis Riddick, sources said,” Glasspeigel wrote.

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The report also noted that Jason Kelce could be in line to work as an analyst, but the network is still “fluid” about whether he will join and no decision as been made.

Molly McGrath is moving from college football and will be the lead sideline reporter on the NFL Network’s slate this season.

Pasch, who signed a multi-year extension with the network, appears to have beaten Kelce to the gig.

Pasch and Wischusen are both expected to be play-by-play broadcasters, with Warner joining the former and Riddick, the latter.

Pasch has familiarity with Warner through his time as the Arizona Cardinals radio voice.

Wischusen and Riddick have shared the booth before, working on college football games this year for the third consecutive season.

Pasch is the overwhelming favorite to become ESPN's new play-by-play commentator — Pasch was handed a multi-year extension by the network

Kelce's name has been linked with being an ESPN analyst for their No. 2 broadcast crew — Glasspeigel noted that Kelce remains in contention to be their No.2 analyst, but a decision has not been made

Since joining ESPN in 2003, Pasch has anchored high-profile college football, college basketball, and NBA broadcasts

Wischusen has been a play-by-play mainstay at ESPN since 2005 across college sports and the NHL, while simultaneously serving as the longtime radio voice of the New York Jets since 2002.

Riddick brings a dual perspective as both a former NFL safety and front-office director of pro personnel.

All have survived ESPN’s brutal wave of cuts since the acquisition and are preparing for a busy 2026 campaign.

What games are NFL Network showing in 2026?

NFL Network are also set to broadcast five out of the nine international games in 2026.

The slate begins on October 4 from London (Colts-Commanders), October 11 from London (Eagles-Jaguars), October 18 from London (Texans-Jaguars).

October 25 from France (Steelers-Saints), and November 8 from Madrid (Bengals-Falcons) capping off five-straight Sunday’s of early-morning European games.

Additionally, there is a doubleheader on NFL Network in Week 16 where matchups are yet to be determined.