Joe Buck and Troy Aikman to host ‘Monday Night Football’

Walt Disney Co.'s ESPN has hired Joe Buck and Troy Aikman from Fox Corp Fox Sports and will have them to host the "Monday Night Football," the network announced on Wednesday. As part of a multi-year contract starting next season, ESPN will pay 35% more to cover the game on Monday.

“These companies made huge commitments to the NFL, and they are investing in their brands. Having the best people makes a lot of sense,” Patrick Crakes, the sports media consultant said. 

With CMCSA 1.52% NBC by Comcast Corp. Mike Tirico, who hosted the network pre-game show Football Night in America and represented Michaels, will take over the full-time. They said Chris Collinsworth is expected to remain a colour commentator. Michaels hasn't announced his intention to retire, but people said NBC had promised Tirico to replace him.

Fox is also facing a bigger bill to carry the NFL. Starting in the 2023 season,  annual rights fees will almost double to more than $ 2 billion. News Corp NWS, the parent of Fox Corp and The Wall Street Journal, shares a 3.08% co-ownership.

ESPN is in talks to compensate Fox in exchange for Fox's early termination of Mr Buck's business. This includes exchanging the rights to the Big Ten college football game to the network.