Jim Nantz Net Worth 2025: CBS Legend's Salary, Earnings, and Success Story
Few voices in sports broadcasting command the respect—and the salary—of Jim Nantz. The CBS veteran has built a net worth of approximately $15 million through nearly four decades behind the microphone, becoming the soundtrack to some of sports' most memorable moments.
Nantz's earning power has grown substantially alongside his reputation. His television work initially brought in around $5 million annually, a figure that climbed to $6.5 million under his contract that ran through 2020. But the real game-changer came during 2021 negotiations, when his compensation jumped dramatically. Current estimates place his salary well above $10 million, with some sources suggesting it reaches $15 million per year.
The timing wasn't coincidental. CBS had just handed Nantz's NFL booth partner Tony Romo a staggering 10-year, $180 million deal, reshaping the salary landscape for top broadcasters. Add in approximately $4 million in deferred compensation from his Titleist partnership, and Nantz's financial portfolio extends well beyond his network paycheck.
What factors drove this broadcasting legend's wealth to these heights? The answer lies in a combination of strategic career moves, contract negotiations, and ventures that extend far beyond the broadcast booth.
Jim Nantz Net Worth in 2025: The Numbers Revealed
Pinning down Jim Nantz's exact net worth isn't straightforward. Different sources paint vastly different pictures of his wealth, reflecting the private nature of broadcasting finances and varying calculation methods.
How much is Jim Nantz worth?
Celebrity Net Worth estimates Nantz's fortune at approximately $40 million, positioning him among broadcasting's wealthiest figures. This substantial valuation reflects his decades-long tenure at CBS and his role as the voice behind multiple premier sporting events.
Other publications suggest more conservative numbers. Some place his net worth around $15-20 million, while others project it will reach $25 million by 2025. The wide range likely stems from different approaches to valuing his diverse income streams and investments.
What sets Nantz apart from many broadcasters is his income diversification strategy. His wealth doesn't flow from a single source:
- The Calling wine label
- Book publications
- Endorsement deals
- Strategic investments
- Partnership with Titleist
These ventures have become increasingly important to his financial growth, with projections indicating they'll contribute significantly to his net worth by 2025.
What is Jim Nantz's salary in 2025?
Court documents from Nantz's 2009 divorce revealed his annual income was approximately $7 million, with roughly $5 million stemming from his CBS contract. His salary trajectory continued upward, reaching $6.5 million under his deal that expired at the end of 2020.
March 2021 marked a watershed moment. Nantz signed a new CBS deal that dramatically increased his compensation, though exact figures weren't disclosed publicly. Reliable sources place his current salary between $10.5 million and $12 million per year.
The timing was strategic. CBS had just signed Nantz's NFL partner Tony Romo to a record-breaking 10-year, $180 million contract, reshaping broadcaster compensation expectations across the industry.
Nantz's 2021 contract reportedly runs through the 2025 season, ensuring he'll maintain this earning level through that year. Together, CBS pays Romo and Nantz approximately $30 million annually.
Comparison with other top broadcasters
Nantz's compensation places him in select company among broadcasting's elite earners:
- Tony Romo (CBS): Approximately $17-18 million annually
- Tom Brady (FOX): $37.5 million annually
- Joe Buck (ESPN): $12-15 million annually
- Al Michaels (Amazon): $11 million annually ($33 million over 3 years)
- Mike Tirico (NBC): $10.5 million annually
- Jim Nantz (CBS): $10.5-12 million annually
- Kevin Burkhardt (FOX): $5 million annually
While not the industry's highest earner, Nantz's salary reflects his unique value proposition. His versatility across NFL games, the Masters, and NCAA basketball tournaments justifies his position among broadcasting's top tier.
His milestone achievement of becoming the first CBS broadcaster to call 500 NFL games further validates his continued worth to the network and his enduring place in sports broadcasting history.
Early Life and Education
Long before commanding a multi-million dollar salary, Jim Nantz's path to broadcasting success began with a childhood that would unknowingly shape his future behind the microphone.
Childhood and upbringing
James William Nantz III arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 17, 1959. The first six years of his life unfolded in the Queen City, where his family moved from Albemarle Road to Providence Road, and young Jim attended Lansdowne Elementary. North Carolina runs deep in the Nantz family DNA—his father starred in both football and basketball at Guilford College after graduating from Mount Holly High School.
"My parents met in Charlotte on a blind date," Nantz has shared. But this Carolina foundation would soon give way to a nomadic existence that took the family from Charlotte to New Orleans, then north to New Jersey, where Nantz finished high school at Marlboro.
Those high school years at Marlboro revealed the competitive drive that would later fuel his broadcasting ambitions. Nantz captained the basketball team while claiming the top spot on the golf squad—early indicators of the athletic insight that would make him invaluable to networks decades later.
University of Houston and golf team
Houston golf coach Dave Williams handed Nantz what he calls "one of the greatest gifts I've ever received" by recruiting him to the university's golf program in 1977. Nantz readily admits he was "the worst player on the team", but this supposed weakness became his greatest strength.
The golf program at Houston was no ordinary team—13 national championships in 30 seasons had created a culture of excellence. Nantz found himself roommates with future PGA professionals Fred Couples and Blaine McCallister, part of what he described as "a band of believers" who pushed each other toward ambitious goals.
"My roommates made me feel like that (working for CBS) was going to happen. They made it feel completely attainable and plausible to think that way, and I fed off of that," Nantz reflected. That environment didn't just nurture his golf game—it cultivated the confidence he'd need to pursue broadcasting's biggest stages.
Broadcasting degree and early interests
Nantz graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio and Television Broadcasting, but his real education happened outside the classroom. He strategically positioned himself within Houston's sports ecosystem:
- Public address announcer for basketball home games, thanks to Coach Williams' introduction
- Host of Coach Guy Lewis' television show for the local NBC affiliate as a sophomore
- CBS Radio Network contributor, sending taped interviews to Win Elliot for weekend sports coverage
"My career traces back to college and a group of supporters who loved on me, believed in me and gave me opportunity," Nantz has said. His timing was perfect—these early broadcasting experiences coincided with Houston's "Phi Slama Jama" basketball era, where Nantz even coined Clyde Drexler's nickname "The Glide".
The seeds of his broadcasting passion were planted much earlier. "I was awestruck at the ability sports announcers had to tell a story, to take me to places I could only dream of visiting," he revealed. That childhood fascination, combined with Houston's unique opportunities, created the foundation for a career that would eventually generate millions in earnings and cement his place among broadcasting's elite voices.
Career Timeline: From Local Anchor to CBS Legend
The path to Nantz's current multi-million dollar contracts wasn't built overnight. Each strategic career move positioned him for the next opportunity, creating a foundation that would eventually support his position among broadcasting's elite earners.
First jobs in Houston and Salt Lake City
Fresh out of the University of Houston in 1981, Nantz landed at KHOU-TV in Houston as an anchor and sportscaster. Local television taught him fundamentals that no classroom could—how to connect with audiences, manage live broadcasts, and develop the versatility that networks crave.
His next stop proved equally valuable. From 1982 to 1985, KSL-TV in Salt Lake City gave Nantz weekend sports anchor duties. But the real education came through expanded responsibilities that stretched his capabilities. Calling Utah Jazz NBA games alongside the legendary "Hot Rod" Hundley and handling play-by-play for BYU football games transformed him from a studio anchor into a seasoned game caller.
These early experiences weren't just resume builders—they were proving grounds for the diverse skill set that would soon make him indispensable to a major network.
Joining CBS Sports in 1985
Sometimes career breaks come from unexpected places. CBS called "out of the blue" in August 1985, inviting Nantz for an audition. He passed, earning a role as studio host for college football coverage. Within twelve months, the network expanded his duties to include golf coverage—a decision that would define much of his career.
The Masters Tournament became Nantz's signature event starting in 1986, establishing what would become a nearly four-decade relationship with golf's most prestigious tournament. Simultaneously, CBS added NBA play-by-play (1986-1989) and college basketball studio hosting (1986-1990) to his portfolio.
This wasn't accidental diversification. CBS was building Nantz into their Swiss Army knife—versatile enough to handle multiple sports while developing expertise that would justify premium compensation.
Milestones in NFL, NCAA, and The Masters coverage
October 16, 1988 marked Nantz's NFL debut, calling Indianapolis versus Tampa Bay alongside Pat Haden. After seven games between 1988 and 1990, he joined the regular rotation in 1991. His NFL journey evolved through multiple roles:
NFL Radio play-by-play (1987-1990), "The NFL Today" host (1998-2003), and ultimately lead NFL on CBS play-by-play announcer from 2004 to present. That February 2024 Super Bowl marked his seventh championship call, cementing his status among football's premier voices.
College basketball followed a similar trajectory. Nantz transitioned from studio host (1986-1990) to lead play-by-play announcer in 1991, eventually calling 31 national championship games and nearly 400 tournament contests before stepping away in 2023.
The pinnacle came in 2007 when Nantz achieved something no broadcaster had before: calling the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, and Masters within 60 days. He repeated this unprecedented feat in 2010, 2013, and 2016.
Each milestone built credibility. Each credibility boost strengthened his negotiating position. The systematic expansion of his role across CBS's most valuable properties created the leverage that would eventually secure his current eight-figure salary.
Salary Growth and Contract History
Nantz's path to his current multimillion-dollar compensation didn't happen overnight. His contract history reveals a broadcaster who understood his value and negotiated accordingly, building wealth through strategic timing and market positioning.
Initial CBS salary and early contracts
Nantz spent his early CBS years methodically establishing his worth. Court documents from his 2009 divorce proceedings offered a rare glimpse into his finances, revealing annual earnings of approximately $7 million, with roughly $5 million stemming from his CBS deal.
Even then, Nantz was diversifying his income streams—a deal with Titleist provided $4 million in deferred compensation, showing an early understanding that broadcasting income alone wouldn't maximize his earning potential.
Major contract renewals and negotiations
The 2020-2021 negotiation period reshaped Nantz's financial landscape entirely. His existing contract paid $6.5 million annually, a solid figure that suddenly looked modest when CBS handed Tony Romo an eye-popping 10-year, $180 million package.
Romo's deal changed everything. Reports suggest Nantz sought "Tony Romo money" during his own talks, a reasonable position given his decades of service and versatility across multiple sports. CBS found themselves in a bind—they'd just committed approximately $2.1 billion annually for NFL rights and couldn't afford to lose their veteran anchor with his contract expiring in early summer 2021.
How much does Jim Nantz make today?
The March 2021 extension delivered exactly what Nantz wanted: a substantial bump from his previous $6.5 million salary. Industry standards had shifted, with top network voices commanding around $10 million—Joe Buck and Mike Tirico both earned $10.5 million at their respective networks.
Nantz secured his place in that tier. Current estimates put his annual compensation between $10.5 million and $12 million, positioning him among broadcasting's elite earners. Together, CBS pays Romo and Nantz roughly $30 million per year—a significant investment that reflects their combined value to the network's sports programming.
What makes Nantz's deal particularly smart? He leveraged market timing perfectly, negotiating when CBS was flush with NFL money and desperate to maintain continuity in their broadcast booth.
Beyond Broadcasting: Ventures and Personal Life
Nantz's wealth extends far beyond his CBS paycheck. Smart business decisions and strategic partnerships have created multiple revenue streams that strengthen his financial foundation.
The Calling wine label
A chance meeting in 2009 with Peter Deutsch, CEO of Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, opened an unexpected door. What started as casual conversation evolved into a business partnership, leading to the formal launch of The Calling wine label in 2012.
The Sonoma-based operation produces premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines that have earned more than 55 90+ ratings since their first vintage. The name cleverly plays on Nantz's broadcasting "calling" while reflecting their shared passion for winemaking. It's the kind of venture that makes business sense—combining personal interest with profit potential.
Book publication and Alzheimer's foundation
Nantz turned personal pain into purpose with his 2008 book "Always By My Side," which chronicles his broadcasting journey alongside his father's battle with Alzheimer's disease. The book became a bestseller, but more importantly, it inspired something greater.
That success led Nantz to establish the Nantz National Alzheimer Center (NNAC) at Houston Methodist Hospital in 2011. He's committed a portion of his future earnings to the center, creating both a philanthropic legacy and another platform to promote his wine label. It's a strategy that serves multiple purposes—giving back while building his brand.
Divorces, family, and lifestyle
Personal life choices have also shaped Nantz's financial picture. His 2009 divorce from Ann-Lorraine Carlsen, after 26 years of marriage, revealed his $7 million annual income in court documents. The settlement carries ongoing costs: $72,000 monthly in alimony and $1,000 weekly in child support.
But Nantz rebuilt. He married Courtney Richards at Pebble Beach Golf Links in 2012, and they have two children together—daughter Finley (born 2014) and son Jameson (born 2016)—along with Caroline from his first marriage. The family previously lived in a Pebble Beach home that featured a replica of the course's seventh hole before relocating to Nashville in 2021.
These moves reflect more than lifestyle preferences. They're calculated decisions that balance family needs with financial realities.
The Bottom Line on Nantz's Broadcasting Fortune
Jim Nantz's financial story illustrates a fundamental truth about the broadcasting business: longevity and versatility matter more than flash. His projected net worth of $25-40 million by 2025 places him among the industry's financial elite, but the path there reveals strategic choices that extend far beyond contract negotiations.
What sets Nantz apart isn't his salary alone—though his current $10.5-12 million annual compensation reflects genuine market value. It's his approach to building wealth across multiple revenue streams while maintaining the consistency that keeps CBS coming back to the negotiating table.
The wine label, the Titleist partnership, the book sales—these ventures represent more than side hustles. They're insurance policies against an industry where even legends can find themselves without a microphone. Nantz understood early that broadcasting careers, no matter how successful, eventually end. His financial portfolio was built with that reality in mind.
Perhaps most telling is how Nantz has balanced wealth accumulation with purpose. The Nantz National Alzheimer's Center demonstrates that financial success can fuel meaningful change. This combination of professional achievement and personal mission creates a legacy that transcends sports broadcasting.
Looking ahead, Nantz's financial position remains strong heading into 2025. His CBS contract provides stability, his business ventures continue generating revenue, and his reputation ensures continued opportunities. Not bad for someone who admits he was "the worst player" on his college golf team.
The broadcasting landscape continues to evolve, with streaming services and changing viewer habits reshaping how networks value talent. But Nantz's career demonstrates that authentic storytelling and consistent excellence create lasting value—both for audiences and bank accounts.
FAQs
Q1. What is Jim Nantz's current annual salary?
Jim Nantz's current annual salary is estimated to be between $10.5 million and $12 million, following a contract negotiation in 2021 that significantly increased his compensation.
Q2. How has Jim Nantz diversified his income beyond broadcasting?
Beyond broadcasting, Nantz has diversified his income through ventures such as The Calling wine label, book publications, and a partnership with golf company Titleist, which provides additional revenue streams.
Q3. What major sporting events does Jim Nantz cover for CBS?
Jim Nantz is the lead voice for CBS's coverage of NFL games, the Masters golf tournament, and until recently, the NCAA basketball tournaments, including the Final Four.
Q4. How does Jim Nantz's salary compare to other top sports broadcasters?
While not the highest-paid, Nantz's salary puts him among the top earners in sports broadcasting, comparable to figures like Joe Buck and Mike Tirico, though below Tony Romo's $17-18 million annual salary.
Q5. What philanthropic efforts is Jim Nantz involved in?
Jim Nantz established the Nantz National Alzheimer's Center at Houston Methodist Hospital in 2011, inspired by his father's battle with the disease, and has committed a portion of his future earnings to support this cause.