Mon Aug 18 13:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text:
**Rich Eisen Returns to SportsCenter Desk After Two Decades**
**LOS ANGELES, CA –** In a nostalgic move for sports fans, Emmy-nominated sportscaster Rich Eisen is set to return to the SportsCenter anchor desk for one night only on Monday, August 18th, at 11 p.m. ET. This marks Eisen’s first appearance on SportsCenter in over 20 years.
The return is part of a broader reconnection between Eisen and ESPN, foreshadowing the September 2nd debut of “The Rich Eisen Show” on Disney+ and ESPN+, a deal first announced in May.
Eisen’s SportsCenter broadcast, originating from ESPN’s Los Angeles studio, will feature the usual highlights, interviews, and in-depth analysis, with a strong focus on previewing the upcoming 2025 NFL season. He will be joined in the studio by ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes.
The evening will also feature Monday Night Football preseason coverage with the Cincinnati Bengals facing the Washington Commanders. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will be on the call with reporters Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge. Pregame show, Monday Night Countdown, will be hosted by Scott Van Pelt with analysts Ryan Clark, Marcus Spears, Jason Kelce and Adam Schefter.
Eisen, who initially joined ESPN in 1996 and became a cornerstone of SportsCenter for seven years, will be stepping back into a familiar role. While this signals a renewed relationship with ESPN, Eisen’s commitment to NFL Network, where he’s been a fixture since 2003, remains unchanged. His agreement with ESPN is non-exclusive, allowing him to appear on various ESPN studio shows in addition to his own program.
“The Rich Eisen Show,” will continue to be distributed through Westwood One through the end of 2025. Starting September 2, his radio program will simultaneously air on ESPN Radio and stream live on Disney+ and ESPN+.
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