Net Worth Ranker
What Is Jim Nantz’s Net Worth?
Jim Nantz, a prominent figure in sports broadcasting, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $40 million. This financial success is primarily attributed to his long and distinguished career with CBS Sports, which began in 1985. Over the years, Nantz has become the voice of some of the most prestigious sporting events, significantly contributing to his financial standing.
Jim Nantz’s Salary and Contract Details
Nantz’s income has evolved significantly throughout his career. During his 2009 divorce proceedings, it was revealed that his annual income was $7 million, with approximately $5 million originating from his CBS contract. Subsequently, his CBS salary increased to $6.5 million annually under a contract that concluded at the end of 2020. In March 2021, Nantz finalized a new deal with CBS. Specific financial details were not publicly disclosed, but industry speculation suggests his salary likely exceeds $10 million, potentially reaching $15 million annually, considering Tony Romo’s $180 million contract with CBS and the salaries of other top sportscasters like Joe Buck and Mike Tirico.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on May 17, 1959, in Charlotte, North Carolina, James Nantz III’s early life was split between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Colts Neck and Marlboro Townships in New Jersey. While attending Marlboro High School, he served as co-captain of both the basketball and golf teams, showcasing his early athletic abilities. He then attended the University of Houston where he played on the Cougars men’s golf team, and in 1981, he graduated with a BA in radio and television broadcasting.
Nantz’s career in sportscasting began at KHOU, a television station in Houston, where he worked as an anchor and sportscaster. He then moved to KSL-TV in Salt Lake City from 1982 to 1985, where he served as a weekend sports anchor. During his time there, he called Utah Jazz games and BYU football games, laying the groundwork for his future success.
CBS Sports Career
Jim Nantz joined CBS Sports in 1985, marking a pivotal moment in his career. He initially served as a studio host for the network’s college football and basketball coverage, and also worked as an on-course reporter for PGA Tour events. From 1986 to 1989, Nantz was a play-by-play announcer for NBA games, further expanding his broadcasting portfolio. Additionally, from 1987 to 1990, he handled play-by-play duties for NFL games on CBS Radio. In 1987, he began calling play-by-play for the US Open.
In 1989, Nantz began his long-standing association with the Masters Tournament, anchoring CBS’s coverage of the prestigious event. He also became the lead play-by-play announcer for NCAA football, solidifying his position as a key voice in college sports coverage. The following year, in 1990, he took on the role of lead play-by-play announcer for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, following Brent Musburger’s departure, a role he held until 2023. This tenure cemented his status as one of the most recognizable and respected voices in college basketball.
Nantz’s role expanded further in 1998 when he started hosting CBS’s pre-game program, “The NFL Today.” He also served as the primetime host for the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, showcasing his versatility as a broadcaster. After stepping down as host of “The NFL Today” in 2003, Nantz transitioned to the position of lead play-by-play announcer for CBS’s NFL coverage. He initially partnered with lead analyst Phil Simms in the broadcast booth. In 2007, Nantz had the honor of calling the play-by-play for Super Bowl XLI, a significant milestone in his career.
In 2014, Nantz and Simms began calling Thursday Night Football games, further increasing their visibility on the NFL stage. The partnership with Simms continued until 2017 when former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo replaced Simms as Nantz’s color commentator. With Romo, Nantz went on to call Super Bowls LIII, LV, and LVIII, solidifying his legacy as a premier play-by-play announcer for the biggest games in the NFL. His contributions to CBS Sports have undoubtedly played a significant role in building Jim Nantz’s net worth.
Other Media Appearances
Beyond his primary role at CBS Sports, Nantz has made appearances on various television shows. These include cameo roles on “Arliss,” “Criminal Minds,” and “How I Met Your Mother.” He also portrayed the announcer for the fictional baseball team, the New York Empires, on the series “Clubhouse” from 2004 to 2005. Additionally, he appeared in the Nickelodeon television film “Fantasy Football.” He has also appeared on the game show “The Price is Right,” presenting showcase prizes related to CBS Sports properties.
Nantz has also been featured in commercials for brands such as Papa John’s Pizza and Capital One. His voice has also been used in video games, including the PC golf game “Jack Nicklaus 6: Golden Bear Challenge.” From 2012 to 2016, he and Phil Simms provided commentary for the “Madden NFL” series, one of the most popular sports video game franchises.
Winemaking Venture
In 2009, Nantz ventured into the wine industry, partnering with wine producer Peter Deutsch to create a private wine label called The Calling. The first vintage of The Calling was released in 2012. While details regarding the financial success of this venture are not publicly available, it represents a diversification of Nantz’s income streams.
Personal Life
Jim Nantz’s personal life has seen significant changes. He married his first wife, Ann-Lorraine Carlsen, in 1983. They had a daughter named Caroline and resided in Westport, Connecticut. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2009, with Nantz being ordered to pay Carlsen $916,000 annually in child support and alimony.
In 2012, Nantz married Courtney Richards. They had a daughter and a son before their divorce in 2023. These personal events, while not directly contributing to Jim Nantz’s net worth, have undoubtedly had an impact on his life and career.
Published Work
Nantz authored his first book, “Always By My Side: A Father’s Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other,” which was published in 2008. In the book, he shares personal stories about football, basketball, and golf, and reflects on the influence of his father, who passed away from Alzheimer’s disease the same year. The book offers insights into Nantz’s personal life and experiences, adding another dimension to his public persona.
