Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ernie Johnson Jr.’s Net Worth?
Ernie Johnson Jr., a prominent American sportscaster, has accumulated a net worth of $16 million. His annual salary is reported to be $5 million, primarily derived from his broadcasting career with Turner Sports. While specific details regarding the breakdown of his net worth (e.g., investments, endorsements) are not publicly available, his long-standing and successful career in sports broadcasting is the primary driver of his financial success.
Ernie Johnson Jr.’s Career and Earnings
Johnson’s career began with local news outlets, starting at WAGQ-FM radio station in Athens, Georgia, while he was a college student. He served as the news and sports director. Following this, in 1979, he became a news anchor at WMAZ-TV in Macon, a position he held through 1981. Johnson then became a news reporter at WSPA-TV in Spartanburg, South Carolina, before returning to Atlanta to serve as a general assignment news reporter at WSB-TV. In 1983, he became that station’s weekend sports anchor as well. His move to Turner Sports in 1989 marked a significant turning point. In 1990, he started hosting “Inside the NBA” on TNT, becoming a central figure in their NBA coverage. The show’s popularity and critical acclaim, evidenced by multiple Sports Emmy Awards, have solidified Johnson’s position and likely contributed substantially to his earnings over the years.
His role as a studio host for Major League Baseball coverage on TBS further diversifies his income streams. While the exact figures for his contracts with Turner Sports and CBS Sports are not publicly disclosed, industry standards for prominent sportscasters suggest a lucrative deal. Experienced play-by-play announcers and studio hosts in major sports leagues often command multi-million dollar salaries.
Johnson’s versatility extends beyond basketball and baseball. His play-by-play coverage for the PGA Tour adds another dimension to his broadcasting portfolio. From 1993 to 1996, Johnson called Atlanta Braves baseball games with his father for SportSouth. From 2007 to 2009, Johnson was a studio host for MLB coverage on TBS alongside Cal Ripken Jr.. From 2000 to 2002, Johnson served as studio host covering Wimbledon, and from 1990 to 1997 was a studio host for the NFL. On the international stage, Johnson was the lead studio host for the 1990 FIFA World Cup. He was also a speed-skating play-by-play announcer for the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics. From 2002 to 2006 he was the lead play-by-play announcer for “Golf on TNT”.
The continued success of “Inside the NBA,” along with his various other broadcasting roles, ensures a substantial annual income that contributes to his overall net worth. Specific figures for endorsements or other ventures outside of broadcasting are not publicly available, but it is reasonable to assume that a sportscaster of his stature may have additional income streams.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1956 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ernie Johnson Jr.’s early life was influenced by his father, Ernie Johnson Sr., an MLB pitcher and later a play-by-play announcer for the Atlanta Braves. Following his father’s retirement in 1959, the family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. Johnson attended Marist School, a private Catholic school in Brookhaven, and graduated in 1974. He then attended the University of Georgia, where he played first base on the baseball team during his freshman year. In 1978, he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree. While specific details about his childhood home or early financial background are not available, his father’s career in professional baseball and broadcasting likely provided a stable and comfortable upbringing.
Personal Life
Ernie Johnson Jr. is married to Cheryl, a professional counselor, and they have five children. Eric and Maggie are their biological children, while Carmen, Ashley, and Allison were adopted. Another adopted child, Michael, passed away in 2021 due to muscular dystrophy. Johnson identifies as an evangelical Christian and is involved with religious groups such as Athletes in Action, Samaritan’s Feet, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In 2003, Johnson was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma but continued to work through his treatment. In 2018, he was diagnosed with blood clots in both legs, causing him to miss MLB postseason coverage on TBS. Specifics about his personal assets, such as real estate or luxury vehicles, are not publicly known.
While information regarding specific real estate holdings, investments, or other assets contributing to Ernie Johnson Jr.’s net worth is not publicly available, his established career and reported salary provide a clear picture of his financial standing. The longevity and success of “Inside the NBA,” coupled with his diverse broadcasting roles, make him one of the most recognizable and well-compensated figures in sports media.
