Sports broadcasting giant ESPN takes steps to revamp its programming by incorporating a popular host into its updated schedule, potentially salvaging the ailing $2 billion NFL Network on the brink of collapse.
Dishin' the Dirt on Rich Eisen's ESPN Comeback:
Get ready, folks! Rich Eisen, the legendary sportscaster, is swapping Roku for ESPN this fall. That's right—the man who made his mark on the NFL Network in 2003 is making a spectacular return to ESPN after a 23-year hiatus.
Eisen's daily talk show, "The Rich Eisen Show," will be the star attraction, running from 12 PM to 3 PM. Get ready to soak up sports news, personal interviews, juicy gossip, and fiery debates, all delivered with Eisen's distinctive charm and wit.
Now, you might wonder, will this show be like any other on ESPN? Not quite. Despite joining the network, Eisen will maintain ownership and editorial control over his show, which aligns with ESPN's current deal with "The Pat McAfee Show."
As for when you can catch Eisen's show, it's predicted to air in the fall of 2025, just in time for the start of both the NFL and college football seasons. The forthcoming flagship streaming app will be simply called "ESPN," and with rumors of a possible $25 or $30 monthly subscription fee, it's an exciting move from ESPN's camp to ramp up content on the platform.
Eisen's return isn't the only addition to ESPN's stellar lineup. With the upcoming Super Bowl events in 2027 and 2031 approaching, the network has been busy beefing up its roster. Burke Magnus, ESPN's president of content, has snagged Artie Kempner from Fox to serve as the new director of Monday Night Football. Kempner will join Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, known as the best in the booth, for their fourth season in a five-year contract that's reportedly worth a hefty $165m.
Before ESPN, Eisen built a thriving career on having a network base and licensing his talk show program, starting in 2014. So, his move to ESPN might not be his last–the network and the league have been in deep talks about NFL Media's assets for a while now. Keep your eyes peeled, folks—ESN could soon belong to ESPN!
As for Eisen's current home at the NFL Network, apparently, it won't be losing him entirely. He'll continue to host NFL GameDay and NFL Draft coverage, as well as handle some play-by-play duties for international games.
It's quite an adventure we're embarking on with Rich Eisen joining ESPN, arena. A fresh breeze of sports commentary is on its way! So, sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy a whole new level of sports talk on ESPN—with a touch of that Rich Eisen magic!
[1] "Rich Eisen heading to ESPN, but he'll still call games for NFL Network, per reports." The Athletic. Accessed 2023-04-24. [2] "Rich Eisen: 5 fast facts about the NFL reporter." Heavy. Accessed 2023-04-24. [3] "Rich Eisen Deal: Show, Timing, and ESPN Details." Sportskeeda. Accessed 2023-04-24.
- Rich Eisen's return to ESPN marks a comeback for the renowned sportscaster, who was last seen on the NFL Network in 2003, bringing his unique commentary style to discussions on multiple sports such as NFL, MMA, football, and American football.
- In addition to his daily show, "The Rich Eisen Show," Eisen will maintain operational control over his show, similar to the arrangement made with "The Pat McAfee Show" on ESPN, demonstrating a commitment to independence even within a major network.
- While Eisen's schedule will include work for the NFL Network, specifically hosting NFL GameDay, NFL Draft coverage, and play-by-play duties for international games, his new ESPN show is set to launch in the fall of 2025, coinciding with the start of both the NFL and college football seasons, offering fans an exciting mix of sports news, debates, and interviews.
