The Top 10 Highest Paid Sports Broadcasters

Sports broadcasting is a lucrative business, and the top earners in the field can make millions of dollars per year. Tom Brady, who signed a 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox Sports to become their lead NFL analyst, tops our list at $37.5 million per year. On March 7, 2025, Stephen A. Smith took a major jump in the rankings, signing a 5-year, $100 million contract extension with ESPN. Other top earners include Jim Rome, Tony Romo, Troy Aikman, Michael Strahan, Kirk Herbstreit, Joe Buck, Al Michaels, and Jim Nantz.

These sports media personalities earn their high salaries for a variety of reasons. They are typically well-known and respected figures in the sports world, and they have a proven track record of success. In Brady's case, despite his lack of experience, he was courted by every major network immediately after he retired from the NFL. They are also responsible for calling some of the biggest sporting events in the world, which can be a high-pressure job.

In addition to their salaries, sports broadcasters also receive a variety of other benefits, such as travel expenses, housing allowances, and signing bonuses. They may also receive royalties from merchandise sales and other revenue streams. We talk often on this site about ways to make money from sports, and this is certainly one of those careers that can pay you handsomely if you move up the ranks. 

The top 10 highest paid sports broadcasters in 2025 are:

1. Tom Brady - $37.5 million
2. Jim Rome - $30 million
3. Stephen A. Smith - $20 million
4. Tony Romo - $18 million
5. Troy Aikman - $18 million
6. Kirk Herbstreit - $18 million
7. Michael Strahan - $17 million
8. Joe Buck - $15 million
9. Al Michaels - $15 million
10. Jim Nantz - $10.5 million

These broadcasters are all household names, but the first thing that struck me is that they're all men. There's no doubt that all of these guys are great at what they do, but I'm hopeful in future years of this list that some of the top female talent will be represented. 

The Top 10 Highest Paid Sports Announcers

1. Tom Brady

Tom Brady is one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, and he is now looking to make his mark in the broadcasting world. Brady signed a 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports in 2022, and he made his broadcasting debut in the fall of 2024 with partner, Kevin Burkhardt. His $37.5 million annual average is the highest in sports broadcasting history. 

Despite being new to the booth, Brady's been in front of a camera for years and has always been an intelligent speaker. While he received some criticism early in the NFL season, he quickly found his groove and was on the mic for Super Bowl 59. 

Brady is not the first former athlete to make a successful transition to broadcasting. Other notable examples include Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning, and Tony Romo. All of these athletes were able to use their knowledge of the game and their charisma to connect with viewers and become successful broadcasters.

Some question Brady's ability to be impartial, as he made a deal in May of 2023 to be a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. 

2. Jim Rome

Jim Rome is an American sports radio host who is known for his outspoken and controversial commentary. He began his career in radio in the early 1980s, and he quickly gained a following for his unique brand of sports talk.

In 1990, Rome launched his own radio show, The Jim Rome Show, which was syndicated nationally. The show quickly became one of the most popular sports talk shows in the country, and Rome became a household name.

Rome is known for his signature catchphrase, "Hey, Rome, what's up?", and his willingness to speak his mind. He is not afraid to criticize athletes, coaches, and other sports figures, and he has been known to get into heated arguments with callers.

Rome's show has been praised for its entertainment value, but it has also been criticized for its lack of substance. Some critics argue that Rome's show is more about entertainment than it is about sports, and that he often takes cheap shots at his guests.

Despite the criticism, Rome remains one of the most popular and successful sports talk show hosts in the country. He has won numerous awards for his work, and he has been inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.

3. Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith is a renowned sports commentator, television personality, and journalist who has made a significant impact in the world of sports media. Born on October 14, 1967, in New York City, Smith developed a passion for sports from a young age. He attended Winston-Salem State University, where he played basketball and pursued a degree in mass communications.

Smith's career took off when he began working as a journalist, covering various sports events and interviewing notable athletes. He showcased his talents as a writer for newspapers like The Philadelphia Inquirer and The New York Daily News, gaining recognition for his insightful sports commentary and engaging writing style.
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In 2005, Smith joined ESPN as a commentator and analyst, which significantly elevated his profile and expanded his reach. He became a regular presence on ESPN's flagship show, "SportsCenter," where he shared his opinions, engaged in debates, and delivered passionate and often controversial commentary.

Smith's charismatic on-air personality and his ability to express his thoughts boldly and articulately propelled him to become one of the most recognizable faces in sports media. Known for his unique style and emphatic delivery, he quickly garnered a large following and became a sought-after figure for sports talk shows and panel discussions.

On March 7, 2025, Smith signed a 5-year, $100 million contract extension with ESPN, taking his average annual pay from $12 million to $20 million. 

4. Tony Romo

Tony Romo is an American sportscaster who was formerly a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Eastern Illinois University and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Romo spent his entire 14-year NFL career with the Cowboys, and he led them to two NFC Divisional Round appearances. He retired from the NFL in 2017.

Romo began his broadcasting career in 2017, when he joined CBS Sports as a color commentator for NFL games. He quickly became one of the most popular and respected broadcasters in the NFL, and he is known for his insightful commentary and his uncanny ability to predict plays before they happen.

In 2020, Romo signed a 10-year, $180 million contract extension with CBS Sports, making him the highest-paid sportscaster in history (at that time). He is currently under contract with CBS Sports through the 2032 NFL season.

Here are some additional details about Romo's broadcasting career:

*Romo has been nominated twice for sports Emmy awards. 

*Romo is known for his ability to connect with viewers and explain complex football concepts in a way that is easy to understand.

*Romo is also known for his sense of humor and his ability to make the broadcast booth fun and entertaining.

5. Troy Aikman

Troy Aikman is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2006).

After retiring from the NFL, Aikman began a career in broadcasting. He joined Fox Sports in 2001 as a color commentator for NFL games. He quickly became one of the most popular and respected broadcasters in the NFL. He is known for his insightful commentary and his ability to break down complex football plays in a way that is easy to understand. He has also called Super Bowls XXXIX, XLII, XLV, XLVIII, LI, and LIV.

Aikman has been nominated for multiple Emmy awards, along with sidekick and fellow top earner, Joe Buck. 

In February of 2022, Aikman signed a 5 year, $90 million contract with ESPN. 

6. Kirk Herbstreit

Kirk Herbstreit is an American sportscaster who is currently both a college football analyst for ESPN, as well color commentator for Amazon's Thursday Night Football (NFL).  

Herbstreit began his broadcasting career in 1995, when he was hired by ESPN as a college football sideline reporter. He quickly moved up the ranks, and in 1998, he became the network's lead college football analyst.

Herbstreit has been a part of some of the biggest moments in college football history, including the 2006 Rose Bowl, the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, and the 2014 National Championship Game. He is known for his ability to break down complex plays and explain them in a way that is easy to understand.

When Amazon landed the Thursday Night Football rights, some questioned whether "Herbie" could make the jump to the NFL. He's done a tremendous job, and his total annual earnings between ESPN and Amazon total around $18 million. 

7. Michael Strahan

Michael Strahan is a retired American football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons with the New York Giants. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

After retiring from the NFL, Strahan began a career in broadcasting. He joined Fox Sports in 2012 as a co-host of the morning show "Good Morning America." He quickly became one of the most popular and respected broadcasters in the country. He is known for his charisma, the gap between his teeth, his sense of humor, and his ability to connect with viewers.

Strahan has also hosted a number of other television shows, including "The $100,000 Pyramid" and "Strahan, Sara, and Keke." He has also appeared in a number of films and television shows, including "The Game Plan" and "Live! with Kelly and Michael."

8. Joe Buck

Joe Buck is an American sportscaster who is currently the lead play-by-play announcer ESPN's Monday Night Football. He is known for his smooth, understated style and his ability to call big games.

Buck began his broadcasting career in 1989, when he was hired by Fox Sports as a minor league baseball announcer. He quickly moved up the ranks, and in 1994, he became the network's lead play-by-play announcer for Major League Baseball.

Buck has called some of the biggest moments in sports history, including the 2004 and 2021 World Series, the 2000 and 2018 Super Bowls, and the 1996 Summer Olympics. He is known for his ability to keep his cool under pressure and his ability to call the action in a way that is both informative and entertaining. ​Buck has won numerous awards for his work as a broadcaster, including 7 Sports Emmy Awards.

In March of 2022, Buck left Fox Sports to join ESPN and signed a 5-year, $75 million contract. 

9. Al Michaels

Alan Richard Michaels (born November 12, 1944) is an American sportscaster currently working as the play-by-play announcer for Thursday Night Football on Amazon's Prime Video and in an emeritus role for NBC Sports. He has worked on network sports television since 1971, with his most recent work being with NBC Sports after nearly three decades (1976–2006) with ABC Sports. Michaels is known for his many years calling play-by-play of National Football League (NFL) games, including ABC Monday Night Football from 1986 to 2005 and NBC Sunday Night Football from 2006 to 2021.

Michaels began his broadcasting career in 1968 at radio station KFI in Los Angeles, California. He then moved to Hawaii in 1970 to work for KGU radio and television. In 1971, he was hired by NBC Sports as a play-by-play announcer for minor league baseball. He quickly moved up the ranks, and in 1976, he became the network's lead play-by-play announcer for Major League Baseball.

Michaels has called some of the biggest moments in sports history, including the 1980 Winter Olympics ("Miracle on Ice"), the 1986 World Series, the 2000 Super Bowl, and the 2016 Summer Olympics. He is known for his ability to keep his cool under pressure and his ability to call the action in a way that is both informative and entertaining. ​Michaels has also won numerous awards for his work as a broadcaster, including 6 Sports Emmy Awards.

Michaels just finished his initial 3-year contract with Amazon, which was set at $15 million per year. Amazon has indicated that he'll continue in the role, most likely on a one-year contract. 

10. Jim Nantz

​Jim Nantz is a well-known American sportscaster who has worked for CBS Sports since 1985. He is the lead play-by-play announcer for the NFL, NCAA Men's Final Four, and the Masters Tournament. Nantz is a three-time Emmy Award winner and was inducted into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame in 2021.

Nantz was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1959. He attended the University of Houston, where he played college golf with future professionals, Fred Couples and Blaine McCallister. After graduating from college, Nantz began his broadcasting career at a local radio station in Houston.

In 1985, Nantz joined CBS Sports. He quickly became one of the network's most prominent broadcasters, working in college football and basketball, PGA golf, and the NFL. Nantz has called some of the biggest sporting events in history, including the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, and the World Series. He is also known for his signature phrase, "Hello, friends."

Nantz is a respected member of the sports broadcasting community. He has been inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Nantz is also a member of the board of directors of the Alzheimer's Association.

Final Thoughts

For more Sports Broadcasting content, check out that section of our blog. 

We also recently published our favorite sports broadcasting books, and you can find that list here.