ESPN Set to Replace Troy Aikman With Greg Olsen in March

108 million dollars. That is the value of the six-year extension ESPN gave Joe Buck in the summer. The network did not offer Troy Aikman a similar deal. Sources close to the situation say Aikman will leave ESPN at the end of the 2026 season.

Industry insiders expect ESPN to sign Greg Olsen to replace Aikman in March. This move ends the partnership between the two broadcasters after 25 years. The decision was made before the public dispute between the two earlier this month. ESPN finalized Buck's contract without negotiating with Aikman. The network viewed the relationship between the two as irreparable.

Buck and Aikman had a confrontation before a Monday Night Football game in early October. Buck reportedly felt ignored by Aikman during the broadcast. Aikman claimed Buck sabotaged his negotiations by signing his own deal first. This incident drew attention but did not change the network's decision. The choice had already been made during the summer contract cycle.

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro shares an interest with Buck in the network acquiring the World Series after the 2029 season. If ESPN secures the rights, sources say Pitaro wants Buck to call the game. Buck previously covered the World Series for Fox Sports. This personal alignment makes Buck a more valuable asset to the network's long-term strategy.

Replacing a color analyst is easier than replacing a play-by-play voice. ESPN has several options to fill Aikman's role. Besides Olsen, the network could consider Drew Brees, Jason Kelce, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Kurt Warner, or Dan Orlovsky. Hall of Fame players and coaches frequently show interest in broadcasting. Networks have expressed interest in Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford for future television roles. No such pool exists for elite play-by-play announcers.

The gap between Buck and other available announcers is distinct. Dave Pasch has impressed on ESPN's NFL International broadcasts this season. He also calls college football and NBA games. However, he has not yet proven himself on a major prime-time NFL broadcast. Buck remains the top option in that category for ESPN.

ESPN will continue to use the current team for the rest of the 2026 season. The network faces the challenge of working the two together through the Super Bowl in February. Many in the industry question if they can maintain professionalism for that single game. The decision to split the duo has been made. The new arrangement will begin in March.