ESPN Signs Joe Buck to Extension Worth Over $100 Million

ESPN has signed Joe Buck to a six-year contract extension valued at approximately $108 million, a deal that raises his annual salary to $18 million. The agreement, first reported by The Athletic, will keep Buck with the network through the 2031 Super Bowl.

Buck joined ESPN in 2022 alongside his longtime broadcast partner, Troy Aikman. Their acquisition was considered one of ESPN's most significant talent moves in its 40-year history. Prior to this, ESPN had struggled to establish a consistent, high-caliber broadcast booth for its NFL coverage.

While Buck's extension is finalized, Aikman's contract remains unsigned. Aikman, who signed a five-year, $90 million deal with ESPN, is set to have his contract expire after the Super Bowl in February. Reports suggest he is expected to re-sign.

Buck's new deal positions him as one of ESPN's highest-paid on-air personalities, alongside Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee. Smith reportedly earns around $21 million annually, while McAfee's deal is estimated to be worth approximately $65 million per year. McAfee's contract is structured differently, involving licensing his daily show and other appearances.

This strategy of retaining and rewarding top-tier talent comes at a time when ESPN has also implemented layoffs, impacting multiple on-air personalities in July and 20 in 2023. The network's approach under chairman Jimmy Pitaro appears to prioritize major stars.

Buck's potential future responsibilities could expand to include calling the World Series if ESPN acquires broadcast rights for the event starting in 2029. He previously served as the primary World Series announcer for Fox for many years.