Espn Is Paying Troy Aikman A Ton Of Money To Leave Fox

Now, it’s time for a change of scenery.   The New York Post reported Aikman is signing a five-year deal with ESPN worth a little more than $90 million. A big selling point: ESPN, which broadcasts Monday Night Football, offered a higher annual salary than Tony Romo received from CBS. Romo signed a ten-year, $180 million contract in February 2020, the richest in broadcasting history. Aikman’s move creates plenty of intrigue for the rest of the industry. ESPN will be shifting from 18 to 25 games next season, introducing the need for more broadcast teams. And Aikman’s longtime FOX partner could follow him to ESPN—Buck’s contract ends after next season. FOX is also airing two of the next three Super Bowls. Should Buck depart, there will be a new voice calling the second of those games. In that scenario, Kevin Burkhardt likely has the inside track to play-by-play duties. This could be the biggest shakeup of the century in sports broadcasting. On the heels of Romo’s deal, Aikman’s move makes one thing clear: if networks want to lure top talent, they need to pony up cash—and lots of it.