Aikman’s Super Bowl Role Uncertain Amid Buck Tensions

On November 2, Troy Aikman’s place alongside Joe Buck in ESPN’s first Super Bowl broadcast remained uncertain as reports described a strained relationship between the longtime partners. ESPN is scheduled to air the game in 2027 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Andrew Marchand of The Athletic put the chance Aikman would miss the broadcast at 5 percent, while saying he expected the pair to make it through the season. He also suggested that anger over news leaks could worsen the situation. The broadcasters have continued working together on Monday Night Football, with no obvious sign of a rift during a recent telecast.

The tension reportedly centers on Buck’s contract extension with ESPN, which was signed in the spring, and Aikman’s lack of a new deal. Aikman is in the final season of his ESPN contract. Reports say he learned of Buck’s extension in September and felt blindsided. Buck’s agreement was reported to be worth $108 million over six years.

Aikman recently said he had come to appreciate his broadcasting career more as he considered the possibility it could end, and expressed hope that he would continue. He also said negotiations over his contract had not been settled before the season began. Buck reportedly apologized to colleagues after a confrontation and urged the crew to move forward. The two have worked together since 2002, first at Fox and later at ESPN.