ESPN extends Joe Buck's contract for $108 million over six years

<p>ESPN has signed a six-year contract extension with Joe Buck worth approximately $108 million. This agreement will increase Buck's annual salary from $15 million to $18 million, as reported by The Athletic on September 16, 2026.</p><p>Buck joined ESPN in 2022 alongside Troy Aikman. Their signing is considered one of ESPN's significant talent acquisitions in its 40-year history.</p><p>The network has previously attempted to establish a broadcast team that could compete with its rivals, including pairings like Sean McDonough and Steve Levy, and Booger McFarland and Jason Witten, which were not successful.</p><p>Buck and Aikman are often regarded as one of the top broadcasting duos in sports. Aikman, who signed a five-year, $90 million contract with ESPN, is currently unsigned as his contract will expire after the Super Bowl in February 2027.</p><p>Buck's new contract ensures his participation in the upcoming Super Bowl and the next one in 2031. At 57 years old, Buck may be eligible for another contract after this one.</p><p>For reference, Al Michaels continues to call Thursday Night Football for Amazon Prime at the age of 81.</p><p>With this new deal, Buck is now tied with Aikman as ESPN’s third-highest-paid on-air personality, following Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee. Smith earns around $21 million annually, while McAfee's salary is approximately $30 million.</p><p>McAfee's contract is unique as he licenses his daily studio show to ESPN and has a separate agreement for roles on