Net Worth Ranker
What Is Tony Kornheiser’s Net Worth?
Tony Kornheiser, a well-known television sports talk show host and former sports columnist, has accumulated a substantial net worth over his career. As of 2025, Tony Kornheiser’s net worth is estimated to be $18 million. This financial standing reflects his success in various media roles, including writing for the Washington Post, co-hosting ESPN’s “Pardon the Interruption,” and hosting “The Tony Kornheiser Show” on radio and podcast platforms. The exact breakdown of his assets isn’t publicly available, but his wealth is primarily derived from his earnings as a columnist, television personality, and radio host.
Tony Kornheiser’s Salary and Career Earnings
Tony Kornheiser’s salary reached impressive heights during his tenure with ESPN. Specifically, in 2015, his annual salary from ESPN was $5 million. By 2019, this figure had increased to $6 million annually, which cemented his position as one of the highest-paid personalities in ESPN history. This substantial income reflects his popularity and the value he brought to the network through his insightful sports commentary and engaging on-screen presence. Details of his earnings from other ventures, such as his radio show and podcast, are not publicly disclosed, but they undoubtedly contribute to his overall financial success. Moreover, any potential earnings or incomes from the films “Mr. 3000” and “Creed” are not specified.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on July 13, 1948, in Lynbrook, New York, Tony Kornheiser began his journey toward a successful writing career. During his youth, he spent summers at Camp Keeyumah in Pennsylvania. He attended George W. Hewlett High School, where he served as the sports editor of the school newspaper, demonstrating an early interest in sports journalism. He graduated in 1965. Subsequently, he enrolled at Harpur College (now Binghamton University) and pursued a degree in English literature, graduating in 1970. His initial foray into journalism occurred at the Colonial News during his time at Harpur College. Following graduation, he briefly worked with children with disabilities before fully committing to his writing career. He wrote for Newsday from 1970 to 1976 and later joined The New York Times from 1976 to 1979.
The Washington Post Years
In 1979, Tony Kornheiser was recruited to join the Washington Post, initially as a general assignment reporter covering Style and Sports. By 1984, he transitioned to a full-time sports columnist, solidifying his position as a prominent voice in sports journalism. During the 1990s, Kornheiser typically wrote three columns per week, published on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, providing consistent and engaging content for the Post’s readership. This period marked a significant phase in his career, establishing him as a respected and influential sports commentator.
Expansion into Radio and ESPN
Tony Kornheiser’s career diversified in 1997 when he began working for ESPN Radio, expanding his reach beyond print media. Concurrently, he started contributing columns to ESPN The Magazine, further solidifying his presence in the sports media landscape. In May 1992, Kornheiser launched “The Tony Kornheiser Show” on WTEM, a local Washington, DC sports radio station, which aired until 1997. The show was later syndicated by ESPN Radio from 1998 to 2004, extending its audience nationwide. After a brief hiatus, Kornheiser returned to WTEM from 2004 to 2006 and subsequently joined Washington Post Radio in 2007. Due to declining ratings, the station declined to renew the show in June 2008.
Podcast Revival
In June 2016, Tony Kornheiser announced the relaunch of “The Tony Kornheiser Show” as a podcast. The first full episode was released in September 2016, featuring Chris Cillizza and Gary Braun in the studio, with Michael Wilbon and Steve Sands joining as guests via phone. Since its relaunch, the podcast has maintained its broad scope, covering not only sports but also politics, entertainment, and various aspects of modern life. The podcast has undergone many iterations, but it has maintained a wide audience.
Television Career
Tony Kornheiser’s presence in television began in 1988 with appearances on ESPN’s “The Sports Reporters,” where he occasionally served as a guest host after the passing of Dick Schaap. Additionally, he was a panelist on WRC-TV’s “Full Court Press” and made appearances on “Redskins Report.” He also contributed to ESPN productions such as “SportsCenter,” “Who’s Number One?,” and “SportsCentury.” In 2001, Kornheiser launched “Pardon the Interruption” (PTI) with co-host Michael Wilbon, focusing on the top stories in sports and other areas. The show’s format, known for its humorous tenor and the “rundown” graphic, quickly gained popularity.
“Monday Night Football” and Other Projects
In 2006, Tony Kornheiser took on the role of color analyst for “Monday Night Football,” a high-profile position that further increased his visibility. However, he departed the program in 2009 due to a fear of flying, impacting his ability to travel to game locations. Beyond sports commentary, Kornheiser made cameo appearances in the sports films “Mr. 3000” and “Creed,” as well as in an episode of the television series “The Americans.” In 2017, he became part of an ownership group for Chad’s bar and restaurant in Washington, DC, later renamed Chatter. Chatter closed in June 2019, marking the end of his involvement in that business venture.
Personal Life and Residences
Tony Kornheiser married Karril in 1973, and they have two children, Michael and Elizabeth. He resides in the Chevy Chase neighborhood of Washington, DC, and also maintains a residence in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Specific details regarding the properties’ values or purchase dates are not publicly available.
Controversies and Public Image
Throughout his career, Tony Kornheiser has faced his share of controversies. He has been known to respond strongly to criticism, sometimes in a petulant manner. For example, he once referred to Washington Post writer Paul Farhi as a “two-bit weasel slug” following Farhi’s critique of his color commentary. Kornheiser has also made controversial remarks, including one regarding the wardrobe of his ESPN colleague Hannah Storm. These incidents have contributed to his complex public image. There are no details on how these controversies impacted Tony Kornheiser’s net worth.
