Net Worth Ranker
What Is Jim Rome’s Net Worth?
Jim Rome, the American sports radio talk show host, has amassed a considerable net worth of $110 million, establishing himself as one of the wealthiest and highest-paid figures in sports broadcasting. His financial success is primarily attributed to his long and successful career in radio and television, marked by lucrative contracts and strategic investments.
Jim Rome’s Earnings and Contract Details
Rome’s financial standing is significantly boosted by his impressive annual salary. Under his current contract, Jim Rome earns $30 million per year. This substantial income placed him at the pinnacle of sports broadcaster earnings for several years. Tom Brady’s later deal with Fox Sports surpassed this, however. Brady’s 10-year, $375 million deal translates to $37.5 million annually, surpassing Rome’s earnings.
As of 2022, the highest-paid sports broadcasters were:
- Tom Brady – $37.5 million
- Jim Rome – $30 million
- Tony Romo – $18 million
- Troy Aikman – $18 million
- Michael Strahan – $17 million
Rome’s consistent high earnings over the years have contributed significantly to his overall net worth. While the specific details of his contracts with CBS Sports Radio and Showtime remain confidential, it is evident that these agreements have been financially rewarding.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
James Phillip Rome was born on October 14, 1964, in Los Angeles, California. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned a degree in Communications in 1987. During his time at university, Rome gained initial experience in broadcasting as the sports director of the college’s radio station. This early involvement laid the foundation for his future career.
Rome’s professional broadcasting career began in San Diego, where he joined radio station XTRA Sports 690. He developed his own show, which eventually became “The Jim Rome Show.” The show’s popularity grew steadily, leading to its syndication by CBS in 1996. “The Jim Rome Show” expanded its reach beyond a single radio station and is now broadcast across the United States and Canada, with over 200 radio stations participating.
Broader Career Ventures and Media Appearances
In addition to his radio show, Rome has also ventured into television. He hosted shows for ESPN, including “Talk2” and “Jim Rome is Burning.” He also worked for FX, hosting “The FX Sports Show,” and for Fox Sports Net, hosting “The Last Word.” Despite leaving ESPN for a period, he later returned before ultimately parting ways with the network in 2011. Rome has mentioned the possibility of returning to ESPN in the future, particularly if it involves an interview-based format.
Currently, “The Jim Rome Show” continues to broadcast on traditional radio, reaching an audience of approximately 2.5 million listeners. His success in both radio and television has significantly contributed to his substantial net worth.
Controversies and Public Image
Throughout his career, Jim Rome has faced several controversies. These include a physical altercation with Jim Everett, whom Rome repeatedly called “Chris,” a reference to a female tennis player, despite Everett’s objections. He also faced criticism for offering to pay players in the International Hockey League to injure Gordie Howe, a comment he intended as a joke. Rome also had a notable argument with David Stern after questioning whether the NBA Draft Lottery was rigged. His remarks criticizing members of marching bands also drew ire.
Horse Racing Ventures and Jungle Racing, LLC
Despite initially making fun of horse racing, Rome later developed an interest in the sport and established Jungle Racing, LLC. In January 2013, Jungle Racing’s mare, Mizdirection, won the $150,000 Monrovia Stakes at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. Mizdirection retired in 2013 with total earnings of $1.72 million. Another successful horse owned by Jungle Racing was Shared Belief, which earned over $2 million in 2014 alone. His investments in horse racing have added to his wealth.
Personal Life and Family
Jim is married to Janet, and they have two children. The family resides in California. While specific details about his personal life and daily habits are not widely publicized, his family life appears to be stable. The financial security afforded by his high net worth allows him to provide a comfortable lifestyle for his family.
Real Estate Holdings and Transactions
Jim Rome’s real estate dealings offer significant insights into his investment strategies and financial acumen. In 2015, Rome was in the process of selling his property in Laguna Beach, California. Initially listed in 2014 for nearly $6 million, the price was later reduced to about $5.5 million due to a lack of buyers. The three-bedroom home, situated on a cliff overlooking Thousand Steps Beach, boasts panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. The 2,500-square-foot residence features vaulted ceilings, a teakwood deck, and a fireplace. Rome originally purchased the property in 2010 for $5.1 million, indicating a potential profit even with the price reduction.
In 2017, Rome sold another property in Irvine, California, for $12.5 million. This custom-built residence, located on a private, 1-acre lot in Shady Canyon, was constructed to his specifications in 2007. The 12,300-square-foot home includes a theater room, wine cellar, and elevator. Outdoor amenities feature a saltwater swimming pool and views of the surrounding canyons and golf courses. The property was previously listed for $13.995 million. Despite selling for less than the initial listing price, the sale set a record for the most expensive residential property ever sold in Irvine at the time. This same property was listed for sale in July 2021 for $49.95 million after undergoing a major renovation.
In 2018, Rome sold a five-bedroom lakefront home in Indio, California, for $2.5 million. The Tuscan-inspired residence, situated on approximately two-thirds of an acre, features patios, fireplaces, a barbecue area, a swimming pool, spa, and a private boat dock with sandy lake access. The property was sold within two months of being listed on the market.
In 2015, Jim Rome purchased a 7,300-square-foot mansion in Irvine, California, for $5.325 million. He listed this home for sale in September 2023 for $11 million. The consistent buying and selling of high-value properties demonstrate Rome’s active involvement in the real estate market, which has significantly contributed to his overall net worth. The details of these transactions underscore his ability to identify and capitalize on real estate opportunities.
Luxury Assets and Investments
While there is no publicly available information regarding specific details such as the models and names of Jim Rome’s private planes and luxury cars, it can be inferred that his substantial net worth allows him to maintain a collection of high-value assets. The acquisition and maintenance of such assets typically require significant financial resources, further highlighting Rome’s financial success.
