As is customary following a high-profile talent disaster, ESPN has made a conveniently-timed contract extension announcement. Plus: no host for the Mannings, a change for Liam Mchugh, and more.
ESPN extends Duncan
ESPN on Tuesday announced that it has reached a multi-year contract extension with SportsCenter anchor Elle Duncan, who will continue in her current role on the 6 PM ET version of the show. Duncan has been with ESPN since 2016. In a statement, controversial ESPN executive Norby Williamson — former ESPN PR rep Keri Potts implied on social media last week that he undercuts women “at every opp[ortunity]” — said Duncan has been “a fantastic team player” who “excels at everything she touches and … makes us better each day.” [ESPN PR]
Mannings to go it alone on Megacast
ESPN has decided not to name a host for the new alternate presentation of Monday Night Football featuring Peyton and Eli Manning. Front Office Sports was first to report the news Monday. The Manning brothers will instead comment on the games by themselves, alongside a rotation of guests. Per Front Office Sports, ESPN had been auditioning a number of employees for the hosting role, with Adam Schefter having been a prime candidate. [Front Office Sports 8.30]
McHugh booted from Football Night
Liam McHugh will not return to NBC’s Football Night in America this season, his role occupied by NBC newcomer Maria Taylor. McHugh had been a regular for Football Night since 2018 and has been with NBC since 2010. The New York Post reported earlier this year that McHugh is a candidate for the hosting role on Turner Sports’ NHL coverage. [Andrew Marchand/Twitter 8.30]
Plus: Bonetta, Rose, Fishman, ESPN hires
Former FS1 “Lock It In” host Rachel Bonetta is joining NFL Network, according to Deadline, where she is expected to take a role on NFL Gameday Morning and launch a podcast on the NFL’s podcast network. … New York Mets play-by-play voice Howie Rose will miss the rest of the season due to a health issue, per the New York Post. … CBS Sports director Bob Fishman is retiring after next year’s scheduled NCAA men’s basketball tournament, ending a 50-year career. He has been the network’s lead college basketball director since 1982. … Former Saints RB Deuce McCallister is joining SEC Network as a game analyst and former Virginia Tech WR Eddie Royal is joining ACC Network as both a game and studio analyst. [Deadline 8.30, NYP 8.30, CBS Sports PR, ESPN PR]
