Chris Berman Extends ESPN Deal

Iconic ESPN anchor Chris Berman, who joined the network shortly after its launch on September 7, 1979, has signed a contract extension, positioning him to become ESPN’s first employee to reach a 50-year milestone in 2029.

Berman, a cornerstone of ESPN’s NFL coverage since the 1981 NFL Draft, will contribute to ESPN’s inaugural Super Bowl broadcast on February 14, 2027. A Pro Football Hall of Fame Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award recipient, Berman has long hosted NFL PrimeTime, which continues in 2025 on ESPN+ and with special postseason editions on ESPN. He also anchored ABC’s Super Bowl pre-game shows for Super Bowl XXXIV (2000), XXXVII (2003), and XL (2006).

Reflecting on his journey, Berman said: “I joined ESPN at 24, fresh out of college, hosting the 2:30 a.m. SportsCenter for a network barely a month old with fewer than 100 employees. I never imagined turning 70 and still being here, part of an iconic sports broadcasting institution. To now have the chance to work on our first Super Bowl and reach 50 years—two-thirds of my life—is beyond my wildest dreams. My gratitude goes to everyone at ESPN and our viewers, past, present, and future, for sharing this love of sports.”

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro praised Berman’s legacy: “Chris has defined ESPN for nearly half a century with his insightful and engaging style. His passion for sports resonates with generations of fans, and his presence on our first Super Bowl is both fitting and significant. We’re thrilled to have him continue beyond ESPN’s 50th anniversary.”

Berman, who turned 70 on May 10, 2025, joined ESPN on October 1, 1979. A six-time National Sportscaster of the Year, he’s enshrined in the Sports Broadcasting, National Sports Media Association, and Cable Halls of Fame. NFL PrimeTime, cable’s highest-rated studio show, is his most famous contribution, but his work spans NFL, MLB, NHL, golf, and even darts. He hosted SportsCenter regularly for ESPN’s first 11 years, often doing 10 shows weekly, and was the face of NFL GameDay (later NFL Countdown) for 31 years.

Berman began his career as a disc jockey, sports expert and traffic reporter first at WERI in Westerly, R.I. and then WNVR In Waterbury, Conn.. His first TV assignment was as a weekend sports anchor on WVIT in Hartford, Conn. in the summer of 1979.