Sports anchor Rich Eisen paid tribute to the late Stuart Scott during his return to SportsCenter, evoking deep emotions in many viewers.
In a move that has stirred up nostalgia and excitement in the sports world, Rich Eisen has returned to ESPN after a 22-year absence. The veteran sports broadcaster, known for his dynamic energy and charisma, will now host periodic special editions of SportsCenter while continuing as the lead anchor at NFL Network.
Eisen's comeback to ESPN was marked by a heartfelt tribute to his old friend and former co-host, Stuart Scott, who passed away from cancer in 2015. His emotional and sentimental speech highlighted the deep bond they shared and the void Scott's absence has left in the SportsCenter family.
As part of his new role, Eisen will host special SportsCenter editions, such as the 11 p.m. ET show following NFL games. He will also maintain his primary role at NFL Network, remaining the face and voice of the network. In addition, Eisen will make select appearances across ESPN’s studio programming, bringing his unique style to various shows.
One of the most anticipated additions to Eisen's ESPN portfolio is the launch of The Rich Eisen Show, airing weekdays on ESPN+ and Disney+ platforms starting September 2, 2025. This new venture promises to offer a fresh perspective on sports news and discussions, further expanding Eisen's presence on ESPN.
The acquisition of the NFL Network by ESPN also includes the rights to the NFL RedZone channel. This move strengthens ESPN's position as the "Worldwide Leader in Sports," as they will now be home to all future WWE Premium Live Events, starting in 2026.
Eisen's return to SportsCenter has been celebrated with throwback elements and prominent NFL analyst participation. His episodes have shown strong viewership gains compared to previous years, indicating a renewed interest in the show. However, the absence of Stuart Scott's unique phrases like "Booyah" is still felt, reminding us of the irreplaceable impact he had on the show.
A surreal commercial featuring Kobe Bryant, who passed away in 2020, and Stuart Scott, serves as a poignant reminder of the stars we've lost in the sports world. Despite this, Eisen's return brings a sense of hope and excitement, as we look forward to more emotional episodes of SportsCenter in the future.
[1] ESPN Press Release, "Rich Eisen Returns to ESPN," https://www.espnmediazone.com/us/press-releases/2025/08/rich-eisen-returns-to-espn/
[2] Sports Illustrated, "Rich Eisen Returns to ESPN After 22 Years," https://www.si.com/media/2025/08/10/rich-eisen-returns-to-espn-after-22-years
[3] The Hollywood Reporter, "The Rich Eisen Show Heads to ESPN+ and Disney+," https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/rich-eisen-show-heads-to-espn-disney-plus-1235024627/
[4] Deadline, "ESPN Celebrates Rich Eisen's Return with Throwback Elements and NFL Analyst Participation," https://deadline.com/2025/08/espn-celebrates-rich-eisens-return-with-throwback-elements-and-nfl-analyst-participation-1235023885/
[5] Variety, "ESPN to Host All Future WWE Premium Live Events Starting in 2026," https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/wwe-premium-live-events-espn-2026-1235023875/
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