After much speculation of a potential departure, Chris Fowler has reportedly signed an extension with ESPN to remain the network’s top college football and tennis broadcaster.
According to a report from The New York Post, Fowler signed an extension with the Worldwide Leader, but it was not for the large raise he was hoping for.
The Walt Disney Company is slashing costs where it can, and hopes to save more than $5 billion by eliminating 7,000 jobs over the coming months. ESPN was affected by the layoffs Monday, as longtime Vice President of Corporate Communications Mike Soltys has announced he’ll exit in June. He’s been with the company for 43 years.
Fowler himself has been a longtime fixture at ESPN. He joined the network in 1986. After working as the host of College GameDay from 1990 to 2014, Fowler ascended to the role as ESPN’s top college football announcer. He has worked alongside Kirk Herbstreit in the top booth for each edition of the College Football Playoffs.
As the conclusion of his 10-year, $30 million contract neared, rumors persisted that Fowler could look to free agency rather than simply re-sign with ESPN. After seeing the mammoth contracts given to other announcers like Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Tony Romo, Fowler was seeking a raise from his $3 million per year deal. However, the report from The Post said Fowler re-upped with ESPN “for just a small increase”.
