Is Troy Aikman done with ESPN? Joe Buck’s new deal raises questions about their future (Getty Images)
Troy Aikman could leave ESPN after the 2026 NFL season, with his contract set to expire and no new deal announced. They are also expected to call Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027. His next move could shape the future of Monday Night Football, where he has worked alongside Buck since 2022. The pair joined ESPN after leaving Fox, where they had called NFL games together since 2002. Reports in September 2026 said he had agreed to a six-year ESPN extension reportedly worth $108 million. There have also been reports of a disagreement between the two broadcasters before the October 12, 2026, Monday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams.
The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback has confirmed that he plans to finish the season before exploring his options. He confirmed that he would finish the current NFL season before deciding what comes next. Aikman has not announced a comparable agreement. Neither man has publicly explained the alleged argument in detail, so the exact nature of their reported tension remains unclear.
“I’ll broadcast through this season, and I’ll be a free agent at the end of the year and kind of see what happens,” Aikman said during the interview. Aikman and Buck have worked together for more than two decades, first at Fox and then at ESPN. Whether they continue working together beyond that game remains an open question. Aikman discussed his future during an appearance on Dallas sports radio station KTCK. Buck’s contract has added to the questions surrounding the broadcast duo.
Meanwhile, reports of a new ESPN contract for Joe Buck and an alleged disagreement between the longtime partners have added uncertainty to their future on Monday Night Football.
Their partnership stretches back to 2002, making them one of the NFL’s longest-running commentary duos. Despite the speculation, both men remain part of ESPN’s broadcast team.