Net Worth Ranker
What Is Mike Francesa’s Net Worth?
Mike Francesa, a prominent figure in American sports radio and television commentary, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $16 million. This wealth is a result of his decades-long career in broadcasting, which includes hosting roles and content creation for various platforms. A significant portion of his income comes from his annual salary, which is estimated to be $3 million.
Mike Francesa’s Career and Earnings
Francesa’s career began at College and Pro Football Newsweekly, marking his initial foray into the world of sports journalism. His journey led him to CBS Sports in 1982, where he started as a researcher. Impressing network executives with his knowledge, he quickly ascended to the role of a studio analyst for college football and basketball games. During this time, he earned the nickname “Brent Musburger’s brain,” highlighting his analytical prowess.
In 1991, Francesa declined an offer to work for ESPN, a decision that reflected his career priorities at the time. He eventually left CBS in 1993, paving the way for his entry into sports radio. The New York City sports radio station WFAN, launched in 1987, became a focal point for Francesa. Despite initial setbacks, where he was only offered a producer role, he persisted and secured a weekend job covering college football and basketball. He also served as a guest host on various shows, showcasing his versatility and growing popularity.
Francesa’s big break came in 1989 when he was selected to replace Pete Franklin in the afternoon drive-time slot. This marked the beginning of the iconic “Mike and the Mad Dog” show, co-hosted with Chris Russo. The show, which aired from September 1989 to August 2008, became a staple of the New York City sports scene. It featured Francesa and Russo discussing sports and engaging with listeners through phone calls. “Mike and the Mad Dog” achieved widespread popularity, becoming one of the most successful sports radio shows of all time. In 2007, the show was ranked as the #1 show in the country for men between 25 and 54 years old, demonstrating its broad appeal.
The success of “Mike and the Mad Dog” led to simulcasts on the YES Network and syndication across various stations nationwide. In 2000, Francesa and Russo received the Marconi Award for Major Market Personality of the Year, the first sports-talk hosts to receive that honor. In 2005, they hosted a 25-hour broadcast to raise money for charities, demonstrating their commitment to philanthropy.
After the end of “Mike and the Mad Dog” in 2008, Francesa embarked on a solo career with his own WFAN sports radio program, “Mike’s On: Francesa on the FAN.” The show was simulcast on the YES Network from 2008 to 2014, and subsequently on Fox Sports 1. However, his contract with Fox Sports 1 ended in September 2015 due to a strained relationship. Francesa continued to work at WFAN, announcing his retirement in late 2017. In August 2018, he launched a subscription-based mobile application called Mike’s On, featuring a live video stream of his WFAN show and archived materials. His return to radio proved successful, as he won the ratings book in the fall of 2018.
Francesa’s career has been marked by multiple retirements and comebacks. He announced his second retirement from WFAN in November 2019 but returned to host a new show in early 2020. In the summer of 2020, he announced his retirement for the third time. Throughout his career, Francesa has also hosted the weekly radio show “The NFL Now” and contributed commentary to CBS Radio Network and Westwood One, further contributing to his earnings and overall net worth.
Details on Mike Francesa’s Personal Life and Other Ventures
Mike Francesa was born on March 20, 1954, in Long Beach, New York. He is the second of three sons born to Michael and Marilyn Francesa. His older brother is John, and his younger brother, Marty, tragically took his own life in the early 1990s. Francesa’s mother left the family when he was a child.
As a teenager, Francesa attended Maria Regina High School. He later enrolled at the University of South Florida for a year before transferring to St. John’s University in Queens, where he studied communications and athletic administration, graduating in 1977.
Francesa’s personal life includes two marriages. He married his first wife, Kate, in 1983, and they divorced in 1994. In 2000, he married his current wife, Rose. Together, they have three children: a son named Harrison and fraternal twins named Jack and Emily. Francesa maintains residences in Manhasset, New York, and South Florida.
Beyond his broadcasting career, Francesa is also involved in horse racing through his JEH Racing Stable. His horse High Oak won the Grade II Saratoga Special Stakes in 2021. In 2022, he partnered with Lee Einsidler to win the Grade I Fourstardave Handicap with their horse Casa Creed. These ventures contribute to his overall financial portfolio and net worth.
