Rich Eisen is heading back to familiar territory.
For the first time in more than two decades, the veteran broadcaster will anchor SportsCenter on ESPN, taking the chair following the Monday Night Football preseason game between the Washington Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals on August 18.
The broadcast will originate live from Los Angeles and feature Eisen alongside ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes, according to the network’s announcement. The moment marks a major reunion for Eisen and ESPN, where he first built his national profile between 1996 and 2003 before moving on to become one of the original faces of NFL Network at its launch in 2003.
Eisen’s return also coincides with a significant shift in the sports media landscape. Earlier this month, ESPN revealed a non-binding deal with the NFL to acquire NFL Network and other league-owned media properties, including RedZone and NFL Fantasy, in exchange for a 10% equity stake. While Eisen’s move was already in motion prior to the megamerger, the timing underscores his enduring role as a bridge between two powerhouse brands.
Back in May, ESPN confirmed that The Rich Eisen Show would relocate from Roku to its new direct-to-consumer streaming service. Beginning September 2, the three-hour daily talk show will air on ESPN+ and Disney+ from noon to 3 p.m. ET, continuing in its established format while reaching a wider audience.
In addition to anchoring SportsCenter and leading his weekday show, Eisen will make select appearances across ESPN studio programming. Importantly, he will also retain his central position at NFL Network, balancing responsibilities across both platforms as ESPN and the league tighten their media partnership.
For Eisen, the return is both a homecoming and an expansion. After leaving ESPN in 2003, he became synonymous with NFL Network’s coverage, shaping the channel’s voice as it grew into a dominant media outlet. Now, more than 20 years later, his re-entry into the ESPN spotlight comes at a time of transformation for sports media, streaming, and the NFL’s broadcast reach.
Fans who remember Eisen’s original ESPN tenure will see him back on the very desk where he rose to prominence, this time after one of the NFL’s most high-profile preseason showcases. With Mina Kimes joining him, ESPN is signaling that Eisen’s return won’t just be a nostalgic nod but part of a forward-looking approach to coverage that blends veteran credibility with fresh insight.
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