# ESPN locks in Joe Buck for $108 million

> The network's strategy under Jimmy Pitaro concentrates big money on star talent while cutting the middle class.
- Title: ESPN locks in Joe Buck for $108 million · OutKick | Shortify
- Summary: The network's strategy under Jimmy Pitaro concentrates big money on star talent while cutting the middle class. ESPN is betting heavily on a few marquee…
- Keywords: joe buck, espn, contract extension, troy aikman, nfl broadcasting, jimmy pitaro, talent strategy, sports media, broadcast talent, super bowl, news, politics
- Source: OutKick — https://foxnews.com/outkick-sports/espn-re-signs-joe-buck-more-than-100-million-highlighting-company-strategy
- Author: Bobby Burack
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: joe buck, espn, contract extension, troy aikman, nfl broadcasting, jimmy pitaro, talent strategy, sports media, broadcast talent, super bowl, news, politics
## ESPN locks in Joe Buck
Joe Buck signed a six-year, $108 million contract extension with ESPN, raising his annual salary from $15 million to $18 million. The deal keeps him through the 2031 Super Bowl.
## Buck and Aikman transformed ESPN
Buck and Troy Aikman joined ESPN in 2022 and are now considered the best broadcast duo in sports. Their pairing finally solved ESPN's years-long search for a booth to match competitors.
## Aikman's deal expires soon
Troy Aikman signed a five-year, $90 million contract that expires after the Super Bowl in February. ESPN is expected to re-sign him, though negotiations have not yet concluded.
## Stars get paid, middle class doesn't
Buck now ties with Aikman as ESPN's third-highest-paid talent behind Stephen A. Smith ($21 million) and Pat McAfee ($30 million). This reflects ESPN's strategy to concentrate money on top personalities.
## McAfee's deal dwarfs everyone
Pat McAfee is reportedly in talks for a renewal worth around $65 million per year, far exceeding other on-air talent. His deal includes his daily studio show plus roles on College GameDay and Monday Night Countdown.
## Layoffs follow big signings
ESPN laid off multiple on-air talents in July following another round in 2023 that cut 20 on-air personalities. The contrast shows ESPN's two-tier approach under chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
## Key takeaway

ESPN is betting heavily on a few marquee personalities like Joe Buck and Pat McAfee while laying off mid-tier talent, creating a stark two-tier system.