Joe Buck has publicly backed Troy Aikman as his longtime broadcast partner enters the final year of his ESPN contract.
Aikman's deal is set to expire after the 2026 NFL season, leaving his future with the network uncertain.
Buck recently signed a new six-year contract worth more than $100 million to remain at ESPN, according to a Newsbreak report cited by the source.
Aikman has not signed an extension, and industry speculation points to a possible split after Super Bowl LXI in February 2027.
Industry Predictions Point to Possible Split
Sports media reporter Ryan Glasspiegel predicted the pair could move to different networks next season.
Responding to a fan's praise of the duo, Glasspiegel wrote that many around the industry are nervous this might be their last season together.
He also outlined his projections for top NFL broadcast booths next year, while noting his predictions could change.
Under that scenario, Buck would stay at ESPN with Greg Olsen, while Aikman would join Amazon Prime Video alongside Ian Eagle.
The projections have not been confirmed by the networks, and both remain in the Monday Night Football booth for the rest of the 2026 season.
Buck Wants to Continue Working With Aikman
Buck has made clear he wants to keep working with Aikman, describing their relationship as extending beyond professional duties.
Speaking on Philadelphia radio station 97.5 The Fanatic last month, he recalled leaving FOX to join Aikman at ESPN.
Buck said he had begged out of his last years at FOX to follow Aikman to ESPN.
The two worked together for about two decades at FOX before moving to ESPN in 2022.
Their partnership became a central part of ESPN's Monday Night Football coverage after the network secured FOX's longtime leading NFL announcing team.
Buck also spoke about their personal bond, saying he loves Aikman like a brother.
He noted they are basically the same age, with Buck at 57 and Aikman at 59, and that both have been through divorce and are girl dads.
Buck said their contract negotiations have always been handled separately rather than as a joint arrangement.
He emphasized that Aikman's future ultimately depends on discussions between the quarterback and ESPN.
Buck said he is hopeful something gets done, but added that it is Aikman's world and ESPN's world, and he has to mind his own yard.
Aikman has acknowledged his contract situation developed differently from what he expected.
On the Sports Media with Richard Deitsch podcast, he said he thought something would be done before the season began.
Aikman said he has never gone into a last year of contract since signing with the Dallas Cowboys, and that when or if a new deal gets done is anybody's guess.
He added that it is not something he is putting a lot of energy into.
The Athletic's sports media correspondent Andrew Marchand believes ESPN plans to postpone a decision until after the Super Bowl, which concludes the 2026 NFL season in February 2027.
Marchand said the network could then negotiate a new contract or move on from Aikman.
He noted ESPN went with Buck early and said the two have done a great job, adding that they may be the best duo in the game.
Aikman joined FOX as an NFL analyst in 2001 after retiring from professional football and became part of the network's leading broadcast team alongside Buck in 2002.
Selected first overall by Dallas in the 1989 NFL Draft, he won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys, earned MVP honors in Super Bowl XXVII and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
