Linda Cohn has a problem with how ESPN is treating Troy Aikman. The former SportsCenter anchor says ESPN’s handling of his contract is “not professional” and “a bad look.”
What We Know: Joe Buck agreed to a six-year contract extension with ESPN in September. The deal is reportedly worth about $108 million. Meanwhile, Aikman remains unsigned, and his current deal expires after the current season. Notably, the duo has called games together for 25 seasons. Thursday, Aikman said he feels ESPN is heading into a new direction and is looking forward to being a free agent. However, Cohn reflected on the situation on her Linda Cohn Show saying ESPN is handling this situation unprofessionally.
What They Said: (All quotes via The Linda Cohn Show):
Linda Cohn on Troy Aikman’s contract situation with ESPN: “Troy Aikman deserves to get paid, just like Joe Buck. But here’s what I don’t understand. ESPN, what are you doing? You spent all that money, bringing these two guys over from FOX Sports back in 2022. You finally had the Monday Night Football broadcast team you wanted. You’ve got your first Super Bowl coming up this February, and you take care of one half of your broadcast team but leave the other half wondering about his future? That’s not professional.”
Linda Cohn says this Troy Aikman situation isn’t a good look for ESPN: “Maybe there’s a perfectly good business explanation. Maybe ESPN has another plan? Maybe the negotiations are more complicated than we know. But from the outside looking in, it doesn’t look good. It’s a bad look.”
What Remains Unclear: ESPN says it won’t address talent contracts publicly until after the Super Bowl. That game, in February, will be the network’s first Super Bowl. As a result, Aikman’s long-term future on Monday Night Football remains an open question. Additionally, it’s unclear whether talks have stalled or simply paused.
What It Means: Cohn left ESPN in June after 34 years with the network. Since then, she has openly criticized her former employer, including its handling of recent layoffs. Now, her comments add more public pressure during ESPN’s biggest NFL season yet. Ultimately, the longer Aikman goes unsigned, the louder those questions will get.
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