Joe Buck, Troy Aikman Reportedly Argued Over Contract Dispute
Tension arose between the longtime broadcast partners prior to a game as Aikman's ESPN contract remains unaddressed.
Longtime broadcasting partners Joe Buck and Troy Aikman reportedly experienced a pre-game argument stemming from Aikman's unresolved contract situation with ESPN. The dispute occurred Monday before the network's broadcast of the Rams vs. Bills game, according to Front Office Sports.
Buck is said to have initiated the conversation with Aikman, leading to an argument that subsequently de-escalated. Aikman has not yet received a formal contract extension offer from ESPN. The two commentators proceeded to call the game, which went into overtime, without further incident.
This comes as Buck recently agreed to a significant contract extension with ESPN. Reports from September indicated Buck finalized a six-year deal worth approximately $108 million. This agreement ensures Buck will remain the primary voice for "Monday Night Football" and will call the network's first Super Bowl in February, as well as the 2031 Super Bowl.
Aikman is currently operating under a five-year, $90 million contract that is set to expire after the upcoming Super Bowl. The pairing of Buck and Aikman marks the longest-running broadcast partnership in NFL history, spanning 25 years.
Both broadcasters joined ESPN during the 2022 offseason, departing from Fox. During those negotiations, Aikman was the first to reach an agreement, paving the way for Fox to release Buck from his existing contract.
The situation with Aikman's contract unfolds amidst broader changes in sports broadcasting booths. At CBS, the commentator lineup for the upcoming season is uncertain following Tony Romo's departure, with J.J. Watt stepping in alongside Jim Nantz. Additionally, Fox's Greg Olsen is a notable free agent, and Amazon's Kirk Herbstreit recently signed a new deal for "Thursday Night Football" that includes an opt-out clause for potential high-profile lures like Sean McVay.