Legendary broadcaster Chris Berman has signed a multi-year contract extension with ESPN that will take him through the network’s first Super Bowl broadcast in 2027—and ultimately, his 50th year with the company. The six-time National Sportscaster of the Year will contribute to ESPN’s coverage of Super Bowl LXI on Feb. 14, 2027, in Los Angeles.
Berman, who celebrated his 70th birthday on May 10, has now covered 45 Super Bowls for ESPN as the event will be simulcast on ABC, ESPN’s sister network under the Disney umbrella in less than two years.
Berman joined ESPN in October 1979, just weeks after the network’s launch. His new deal ensures he will be with the company through the network’s 50th anniversary in 2029, shortly before he becomes the first individual to spend five decades at ESPN.
“I came to ESPN at 24 years young for my first full-time TV job,” Berman said in a statement to Front Office Sports. “Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined turning 70 and still being here. We’re closing in on our very first Super Bowl, and now I will be able to be part of that, too.”
In response, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro discussed Berman’s influence. “For a remarkable half-century, Chris has embodied ESPN with his smart and entertaining style,” Pitaro said. “No studio broadcaster has meant more to NFL coverage than Chris, and to have his presence on our first Super Bowl presentation is both apropos and significant.”
Indeed, Berman has hosted NFL PrimeTime, ESPN’s award-winning highlights show that aired from 1987 to 2005. Known for his rapid-fire narration and hard-driving soundtrack, the program became appointment viewing for football fans and fantasy players in the pre-internet era. Before shifting to ESPN+ in 2006, PrimeTime held the title as cable TV’s highest-rated studio show.
His 30-year on-air partnership with analyst Tom Jackson, including 19 years on PrimeTime, stands as one of the longest-running duos in sports television history—second only to Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon’s 31-year run on NBC’s The Tonight Show. Jackson retired in 2020 and was succeeded by Booger McFarland.
Berman also helmed Sunday NFL Countdown for 31 years and played a key role in turning the NFL Draft into a must-watch offseason event. Additionally, he anchored ABC’s Super Bowl pregame shows in 2000, 2003, and 2006 under the former ABC Sports division. ABC last broadcast the Super Bowl in 2006 with Super Bowl XL.
Berman got his media career started as a disc jockey, sports expert, and traffic reporter in Rhode Island and Connecticut. During his early ESPN years, he often hosted as many as 10 SportsCenters a week, helping build the show into the network’s flagship property.
With ESPN achieving the company’s goal of a Super Bowl broadcast, this follows recent high-profile hires aimed at elevating the network’s NFL coverage. In 2022, Pitaro brought in Troy Aikman and Joe Buck, at a combined cost of $160 million over five years. The pair had previously called six Super Bowls together—more than any duo since John Madden and Pat Summerall.
Additionally, ESPN inked Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions to a 10-year deal in 2024, ensuring Peyton and Eli Manning will deliver their popular “ManningCast” during ESPN’s Super Bowl broadcasts.
Meanwhile, ESPN is expected to unveil details of its upcoming streaming platform, reportedly named “ESPN” tomorrow at its annual upfront presentation to advertisers at the Javits Center in New York.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
