ESPN is undertaking significant transformations as it prepares to make its mark on Super Bowl broadcasting for the first time. Dubbed the most ambitious move yet, the sports network has hired Artie Kempner, a decorated director with impressive credentials, from Fox Sports. Burke Magnus, ESPN’s president of content, has made it clear: the company is committed to presenting the Super Bowl like never before.
Kempner, known for his 12 Emmy Awards, will transition from directing NFL coverage at Fox to taking the reins of Monday Night Football (MNF). This change is part of ESPN's larger strategy to ready itself for its inaugural Super Bowl broadcast scheduled for February 14, 2027, in Los Angeles. By bringing on Kempner, who has directed two Super Bowl games previously, ESPN aims to revolutionize its presentation and make it competitive with industry giants like Fox and CBS.
Magnus explained ESPN’s long-standing aspiration to showcase the Super Bowl, stating, “There are only 12 people on earth who have directed Super Bowls, and he’s one of them.” He noted Kempner's unique talent would aid ESPN’s goal to deliver exceptional coverage during the prestigious event. Magnus expressed excitement about adding such experience to the team as they gear up for Super Bowl LXI. “To bring on a unique talent like Artie, who has done big events, who’s done multiple Super Bowls, is our responsibility to the company,” he shared.
The shift follows ESPN's commitment to bolster its NFL television portfolio, particularly after it secured rights to the Super Bowl with its significant 11-year deal valued at $2.7 billion annually, announced also back in 2021. Magnus stated, “If we were going to make a change, it had to be this year, as before next season, with the Super Bowl, it would be too late.” This urgency indicates the depth of ESPN’s ambitions as it heads toward its first-ever turn on the Super Bowl stage.
Kempner's resume speaks volumes about his capabilities. He has worked alongside MNF's lead broadcasters, Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, at Fox Sports, directing their tenure calling major games including the iconic Giants’ upset against the Patriots during Super Bowl XLII. His history and association with big events reflect the high stakes surrounding ESPN’s future broadcasts. Magnus noted, “He’s a very decorated guy who just dropped...that’s our responsibility to the company.”
This new direction for ESPN has also prompted the network to focus on other production elements of its NFL coverage. There have been significant changes within the MNF booth as well, with Aikman and Buck entering their fourth season of five-year contracts worth approximately $165 million. With Derek Mobley replaced, who only served as director for two seasons, Magnus and his team are emphasizing the importance of stability and expertise moving forward.
ESPN is also developing its cast for special segments, commissioning alternative broadcast offerings for the Super Bowl. A notable move was the 10-year contract extension with Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, ensuring both Mannings can provide alternate game commentary for upcoming Super Bowls. This decision shows ESPN's commitment to diversifying its presentation strategies for mega events.
The network has also made moves to freshen its NFL studio shows, starting with the appointment of Scott Van Pelt to replace Suzy Kolber as host of Monday Night Countdown last year. The changes reflect Magnus's commitment to presenting the best version of ESPN possible, especially with so much on the line as Super Bowl LXI approaches.
For Sunday NFL Countdown, Mike Greenberg succeeded Samantha Ponder due to similar restructuring efforts, indicating the network's focus on solidifying leadership roles for major broadcasts. Added to this are hotshot talents such as Jason Kelce, who joined Monday Night Countdown last year, ensuring dynamic programming. Stephen A. Smith is also expected to contribute to the MNF lineup as part of his recent contract extension valued at $100 million.
Data shows the range of changes and acquisitions by ESPN have been deliberate and targeted as they build up to their first Super Bowl experience. Magnus previously highlighted the network's intent: “We want to put our best foot forward in every conceivable way in what, with no exaggeration, could be the biggest moment in the history of ESPN by the time Feb. 14, 2027 rolls around.” His remarks reflect the seriousness with which ESPN is approaching its Super Bowl ambitions.
With these sweeping changes, ESPN sets the stage for what it hopes will be not only successful programming, but also forge its identity within the Super Bowl historical narrative. The countdown to February 2027 begins, as fans eagerly await how the network will redefine what covering the Super Bowl looks like.
