The competition among NFL media partners is escalating, with ESPN at the forefront as they enhance their coverage and line up prominent personalities for the upcoming football season. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro has announced that viewers can expect to see more of Rich Eisen, Stephen A. Smith, and Chris Berman this fall.
In a strategic move, ESPN is bringing “The Rich Eisen Show” to both ESPN+ and Disney+, making it accessible through various subscription options. Eisen, a former SportsCenter anchor who transitioned to becoming the face of NFL Network, will also make select appearances on ESPN’s traditional broadcasts.
Stephen A. Smith, who aspires to emulate the legendary Howard Cosell in covering the NFL, will be featured on “Monday Night Countdown.” Meanwhile, Berman, a long-time figure at ESPN, has secured a contract extension that will keep him with the network through its first Super Bowl and his milestone 50th year in 2029, coinciding with ESPN’s own 50th anniversary.
Pitaro expressed enthusiasm about the potential for Eisen and Berman’s broader involvement in NFL content and indicated that there is room for expanded contributions from Smith as well. “We know that the league really likes Stephen,” he noted, highlighting the positive relationship between ESPN and the NFL.
Reflecting on the network’s revived relationship with the NFL, ESPN has successfully secured a spot in the Super Bowl rotation and is set to showcase strong matchups in the upcoming season. The Kansas City Chiefs have supplanted the Dallas Cowboys as America’s favorite team, with ESPN hosting multiple games featuring the Chiefs.
As part of their NFL coverage strategy, ESPN will have the familiar announce team of Troy Aikman, Joe Buck, and Lisa Salters returning for their fourth season, alongside the continued popularity of the ManningCast with Peyton and Eli Manning.
In addition, discussions are ongoing regarding the potential acquisition of NFL Media by ESPN, which could significantly enrich their football offerings. With the expectation of ESPN’s first Super Bowl broadcast on February 14, 2027, and additional efforts to integrate NFL Media content, the future looks promising for ESPN as they step up their NFL coverage, supporting fans’ excitement for the sport.
This strategic investment in personnel and content reflects ESPN’s commitment to delivering high-quality football programming and enhancing viewer engagement as they approach key milestones. By revitalizing their relationship with the league and providing more diverse content, ESPN is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of NFL fans in the coming years.