Contract Tensions Rise Between ESPN and Troy Aikman Ahead of Super Bowl

WHO:

Fox News - Troy Aikman, Joe Buck, ESPN, Dan Le Batard, Ryan Clark, Jason McCourty, Kirk Herbstreit, JJ Watt, Bela Bajaria

WHAT:

Fox News - ESPN will broadcast its first Super Bowl in February, with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the call.

Fox News - Joe Buck signed a new six-year, $108 million contract extension with ESPN.

Fox News - Aikman's current contract expires after the Super Bowl.

NY Post - Aikman expected to have a new deal by now but ESPN has not extended an offer.

Fox News - Aikman is regarded as the best color commentator in sports and has worked with Buck since 2002.

Fox News - Aikman and Buck have been a broadcast team for 25 years.

Fox News - ESPN has spent over $100 million on talent it considers to be in the upper echelon.

Fox News - Aikman may be seeking a contract similar to Tom Brady's reported $37.5 million annually.

WHERE:

Fox News - Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, N.Y.

Fox News - Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.

Fox News - Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City

WHEN:

Fox News - The Super Bowl will take place in February.

Fox News - Aikman will turn 60 in November.

Fox News - CBS is set to broadcast its first Super Bowl under Paramount Skydance ownership in 2028.

WHY:

Fox News - ESPN may be hesitant to offer Aikman a long-term deal for reasons beyond quality, including a focus on diversity.

Fox News - ESPN is responding to accusations of racism from former employees.

HOW:

Fox News - ESPN is considering Greg Olsen as a potential replacement for Aikman, as his contract with Fox also expires after this season.

(UPDATED September 24, 2026 20:59 UTC)

ESPN is gearing up for its first Super Bowl broadcast in February, featuring Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the call, while Buck has just signed a lucrative six-year, $108 million contract extension. Aikman, who is regarded as the best color commentator in sports and has been paired with Buck for 25 years, is still awaiting a new deal from ESPN, which may be hesitant to offer him a long-term contract due to various factors, including a focus on diversity amid accusations of racism from former employees. As Aikman's current contract expires after the Super Bowl and he approaches his 60th birthday in November, ESPN is reportedly considering Greg Olsen as a potential replacement, given that Olsen's contract with Fox also ends after this season.