Business & Finance

Top NFL television commentators reportedly face expiring contracts after this season

Prominent broadcasters may become free agents as network agreements conclude, according to Variety.

Updated Sep 12, 2026 · 18:48 UTC1 reports

The short version

Contracts for lead NFL announcers including Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Greg Olsen, Kirk Herbstreit, and Al Michaels are set to expire after the current season.[Variety]
Top television analysts and play-by-play voices reportedly earn an estimated $15 million to $20 million annually.[Variety]
ESPN has already started renewal talks with Buck and Aikman, while Michaels remains on a year-to-year agreement at Amazon.[Variety]
Separately, CBS installed J.J. Watt alongside Jim Nantz after Tony Romo was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.[Variety]

Agreements for Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Greg Olsen, Al Michaels, and Kirk Herbstreit conclude after the ongoing NFL season.[Variety]
Industry sources estimate that premier football booth talent earns between $15 million and $20 million per season.[Variety]
ESPN has commenced talks to extend the contracts of Buck and Aikman.[Variety]
Tony Romo is slated to miss early season broadcasts following a summer arrest near Milwaukee for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.[Variety]
Fox Sports, Amazon, ESPN, and CBS Sports all declined requests for comment.[Variety]

CBS Sports has not provided an expected timeline for Tony Romo's return to the broadcast booth.[Variety]
It remains unknown whether networks will retain their current broadcast teams or let them depart amid high salary demands.[Variety]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.