Rich Eisen will anchor ESPN’s 11 p.m. ET edition of “SportsCenter” on 18 Aug. for the first time since 2003, ending a 22-year absence from the network’s flagship program. The broadcast airs immediately after ESPN’s preseason “Monday Night Football” telecast between the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders and will originate from the network’s Los Angeles studio. Eisen will be joined on set by NFL analyst Mina Kimes and is expected to interview “MNF” booth team Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. ESPN plans to incorporate vintage graphics and the original NFL Primetime theme, underscoring the nostalgic tone of the one-night return. The appearance comes ahead of the 2 Sept. debut of “The Rich Eisen Show” on ESPN+ and Disney+, expanding Eisen’s presence across ESPN platforms while he retains his role at NFL Network. Earlier this month ESPN and the NFL announced a non-binding agreement under which the league would fold NFL Network and related media assets into ESPN in exchange for a 10% equity stake, tightening the broadcaster’s ties to the sport. Eisen was a “SportsCenter” anchor from 1996 to 2003 before joining NFL Network at its launch. His comeback segment is expected to include a tribute to his late former co-host Stuart Scott, reinforcing the program’s look back at a formative era for ESPN.