ESPN Jeopardy! is returning for a second season with a significant format change that opens the buzzer to the public. During the September 28, 2026, Monday Night Football broadcast of the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears, host Joe Buck officially announced the renewal of the sports-themed spinoff for Disney+, Hulu, and the ESPN App.
The upcoming season marks a pivot away from the celebrity and media personality matches that defined its debut. Season 2 will feature “everyday sports fans” as contestants, allowing viewers to compete for a grand prize of $300,000. This shift brings the program closer to the structure of the original Sports Jeopardy! series, which featured civilian competitors during its run from 2014 to 2016.
How to Audition for ESPN Jeopardy!
Aspiring contestants can now begin the qualifying process through the ESPN Jeopardy! Anytime Test. To be eligible for the tournament, applicants must be at least 18 years old and legal residents of the United States or Canada. The initial screening consists of a 50-clue online test designed to gauge the depth of a fan’s sports knowledge across various leagues, historical eras, and obscure athletic trivia.
Notably, fans who participate in or apply for the ESPN-branded spinoff remain eligible for the flagship syndicated version of Jeopardy!. Competing in this sports tournament does not disqualify an individual from appearing on the main stage with Ken Jennings in the future.
Prize Details and Production
While the first season awarded a $500,000 prize to the winner’s chosen charity, Season 2 offers a $300,000 cash prize directly to the champion. The series remains under the production of Sony Pictures Television, with Jeopardy! executive producer Michael Davies continuing to lead the project.
The announcement follows the conclusion of a successful inaugural season that premiered on July 31, 2026. That tournament saw ESPN’s own Jeremy Schaap take home the title after defeating finalists Jon Hamm and Kyle Brandt. By moving to a civilian format, the show is expected to focus on high-level gameplay from specialized fans who may possess more granular sports knowledge than the general-interest celebrities featured in the first run.
Producers have not yet confirmed the specific taping dates or the official premiere date for the second season, though the launch of the Anytime Test suggests casting is currently the primary focus.
