Troy Aikman, the veteran announcer for ESPN's 'Monday Night Football,' has stated that he has had no conversations with the network regarding his future, despite his broadcast partner Joe Buck recently signing a substantial new contract. Buck's extended deal will keep him as the voice of 'Monday Night Football' through the 2030s, with an annual salary increase from $15 million to $18 million, totaling $108 million over the life of the contract, according to The Athletic.
Buck, 57, and Aikman, 59, have been a broadcasting duo since 2002. They transitioned together from Fox to ESPN in 2022. This season marks their 25th together, making them the longest-running commentary team in NFL history. Their current contract situation comes as ESPN prepares to broadcast the Super Bowl for the first time at the end of this season.
Aikman's current five-year, $90 million contract is set to conclude after the upcoming season. He expressed surprise that discussions about an extension had not yet occurred. "I thought something would be done prior to the start of this season," Aikman said on the Sports Media with Richard Deitsch podcast. "I've never gone into a last year of a contract ever since I signed with the Dallas Cowboys. So I thought that it would be done. It's not."
He added that the timing and likelihood of a new deal are uncertain. "When it might get done, if it gets done, is anybody's guess, and it's just not something that I'm really putting a lot of energy into." Aikman emphasized that working with Buck is a significant factor in his career decisions and that he would welcome continuing their partnership. "Would I like to continue working with Joe Buck moving down the road? 100 percent," he stated.
ESPN has declined to comment on the specifics of talent contracts, citing a focus on the current season and the upcoming Super Bowl broadcast. "With this historic season for ESPN now underway, our entire focus is on bringing fans the best possible football coverage, culminating with our first Super Bowl," said Josh Krulewitz, ESPN executive vice president of communications. "To that end, we won't be addressing talent contract specifics publicly before the Super Bowl."
Buck and Aikman kicked off their 25th season on 'Monday Night Football' on September 9, 2026, with the Kansas City Chiefs' victory over the Denver Broncos. They are scheduled to broadcast the New York Giants' game against the Los Angeles Rams the following week.