Amazon made it official Wednesday, naming Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit as the broadcast team for “Thursday Night Football” beginning in 2022.
They will make their debut on Sept. 15.
Amazon also announced that it hired longtime executive producer Fred Gaudelli to lead “TNF.”
Terms were not released by the tech giant. However, Michaels is expected to earn close to what Joe Buck just signed on for to call “Monday Night Football” on ESPN. Buck inked a five-year, $75 million deal.
“Over the last 36 seasons, I’ve been at the mic describing some of the most magical moments and games in NFL history and am looking forward to many more,” said Michaels in a statement. “This is the new frontier in sports television and to be a part of the launch at this point in my career is both exciting and stimulating. The NFL is the king of unscripted television and I’m looking forward to joining Kirk to bring fans more dramatic episodes on Thursday nights this fall.”
Herbstreit, 52, had himself a good day Wednesday. Not to be outdone by Amazon’s announcement, Herbstreit also signed a five-year extension with ESPN.
Herbstreit will continue in his role on ESPN’s “College GameDay” and as lead college football announcer. He reportedly has a contract in the eight figures with Amazon.
Gaudelli, a 24-time Emmy winner, has produced NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” broadcast and will “continue on NBC Sports’ executive team and will serve as a key contributor to NBC Sunday Night Football’s editorial and production efforts,” Amazon said.
Amazon paid billions to get the Thursday night package for the next 11 years. Its deal includes 15 regular-season games and one preseason game per year.
–Field Level Media
