Net Worth Ranker
What Is Sage Steele Net Worth?
Sage Steele, an American television anchor, has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million as of 2024, according to Celebrity Net Worth and other reputable sites. This wealth is primarily attributed to her career in sports broadcasting, most notably her long tenure at ESPN.
Sage Steele’s Career and Earnings at ESPN
Steele joined ESPN in March 2007 and, after 16 years, departed in August 2023. During her time there, she held several prominent positions, significantly contributing to her financial success. Initially, she was assigned to the evening edition of SportsCenter. Over the years, she co-hosted SportsCenter, ESPN’s flagship show, for five years before transitioning to NBA coverage. Her roles included hosting Friday and Sunday editions of NBA Countdown on ESPN and ABC. She also contributed to ESPN First Take, Mike & Mike in the Morning, and SportsNation. Moreover, she covered the NBA Finals on SportsCenter in 2012 and 2013, further solidifying her presence in sports broadcasting.
Near the end of her time with ESPN, Steele was reportedly earning $3 million per year. This high salary reflects her prominent position and value to the network. However, it’s important to note that earlier estimates suggested a lower annual salary of around $200,000. Regardless, her consistent presence on major sports programs indicates a substantial income throughout her career.
In 2022, Steele initiated legal action against ESPN, claiming a violation of her free speech rights. This stemmed from comments she made in September 2021 on the “Uncut with Jay Cutler” podcast regarding ESPN’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, former President Barack Obama, and her racial identity. While she continued her on-air duties during the legal proceedings, ESPN reportedly offered her $501,000 to settle the case. Steele ultimately chose to leave ESPN, citing a desire to more freely exercise her First Amendment rights. Her departure was part of a broader cost-reduction effort at ESPN, which involved laying off several high-profile personalities.
Additional Ventures and Background
Born on November 28, 1972, in the Panama Canal Zone, to an American Army family, Steele’s upbringing was marked by frequent relocations due to her father’s military career. She graduated from Indiana University in 1995 with a degree in sports communications. Her early career included sports reporting roles at WSBT-TV in South Bend, Indiana, from 1995 to 1997, and later at various local affiliates before joining ESPN. Her father, Gary Steele, was the first African-American to play varsity football at West Point and was inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. Her brother, Chad, is the Media Relations Director for the Baltimore Ravens. Sage Steele is married to Jonathan Bailey, and they have three children: Quinn, Nicholas, and Evan.
Beyond her television career, Steele has also hosted the Scripps National Spelling Bee every year since 2009, showcasing her versatility and broad appeal. While details about specific endorsement deals or business investments are not readily available, her prominence in sports media suggests potential income from these sources as well. She also has a contact page for collaborations and endorsements. As of October 2024, Steele has been seen on the campaign trail with Donald Trump, alongside Danica Patrick. Also, she has publicly voiced her political views, which have become a part of her brand. She is also available for speaking engagements, virtual meetings, appearances, product endorsements, and business sanctions.
