Jim Nantz, one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting, has left an indelible mark on the industry through his decades of work with CBS Sports. Known for his smooth and professional commentary, Nantz has covered a wide range of sports, including the NFL, NCAA Division I football and basketball, the NBA, and the PGA Tour. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Nantz has solidified himself as a broadcasting legend. His commitment to excellence has also earned him substantial financial rewards, with a net worth of $40 million and a lucrative contract that places him among the highest-paid sportscasters in the world.
Salary & Contracts
Jim Nantz’s broadcasting career has been highly lucrative. During his 2009 divorce proceedings, it was revealed that his annual income was approximately $7 million, with $5 million coming from his CBS contract. As his career continued to flourish, CBS recognized his value and increased his salary to $6.5 million per year under a contract that expired in 2020.
As CBS entered negotiations for a new deal, Nantz sought a contract that matched or exceeded those of his contemporaries. Tony Romo, his co-broadcaster for NFL games, had signed a record-breaking 10-year, $180 million deal, making him the highest-paid sports commentator at the time. Given Nantz’s contributions to CBS beyond NFL games—including the Masters Tournament and NCAA basketball—he pushed for a similarly lucrative agreement.
In March 2021, Nantz announced a new deal with CBS, although the final salary details were not publicly disclosed. However, given Romo’s contract and the salaries of other top commentators like Joe Buck and Mike Tirico, estimates suggest that Nantz’s salary is likely between $10 million and $15 million per year.
Early Life and Education
James Nantz III was born on May 17, 1959, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He grew up in multiple locations, including New Orleans, Louisiana, and Marlboro Township, New Jersey. His early life was marked by a passion for sports, particularly basketball and golf, both of which he played in high school.
Nantz attended the University of Houston, where he was a member of the Cougars men’s golf team. His love for sports extended beyond the field, as he pursued a degree in radio and television broadcasting. This academic background laid the foundation for his future career in sportscasting, allowing him to merge his love for sports with his broadcasting skills.
Career Beginnings in Sportscasting
Nantz’s broadcasting journey began in Houston, where he worked as an anchor and sportscaster for KHOU-TV. He then moved to Salt Lake City’s KSL-TV, where he covered Utah Jazz games and BYU football from 1982 to 1985. His talent and charisma quickly caught the attention of CBS Sports, leading to his hiring in 1985.
CBS Sports Career
Early Years
Upon joining CBS Sports, Nantz started as a studio host for the network’s college football and basketball coverage. His early responsibilities also included serving as an on-course reporter for PGA Tour events. From 1986 to 1989, he worked as a play-by-play announcer for NBA games, and from 1987 to 1990, he covered NFL games on CBS Radio.
In 1989, Nantz took on the prestigious role of anchoring CBS’s coverage of the Masters Tournament, a position he continues to hold. That same year, he became the lead play-by-play announcer for NCAA football, further expanding his role within the network. Following the departure of Brent Musburger in 1990, Nantz was promoted to lead play-by-play announcer for NCAA men’s basketball tournaments, a role he held until 2023.
NFL and Super Bowl Coverage
Nantz’s contributions to CBS’s NFL coverage have been significant. In 1998, he became the host of The NFL Today, the network’s pre-game program. He later served as the prime-time host for the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano. In 2003, he transitioned to the role of lead play-by-play announcer for CBS’s NFL coverage, partnering with Phil Simms in the broadcast booth. He made history in 2007 by calling the play-by-play for Super Bowl XLI.
Nantz continued to enhance his reputation as one of the premier voices in sports broadcasting. In 2014, he and Simms began calling Thursday Night Football games. By 2017, Simms had been replaced by former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who quickly became a popular color commentator. Together, Nantz and Romo called multiple Super Bowls, including Super Bowls LIII, LV, and LVIII.
Other Media Appearances
Nantz has ventured into television and film, making guest appearances on popular shows like Arliss, Criminal Minds, and How I Met Your Mother. He also played a fictional baseball announcer on the series Clubhouse from 2004 to 2005 and appeared in Nickelodeon’s Fantasy Football television movie.
In addition to his work in television, Nantz has been a guest presenter on The Price is Right, showcasing CBS Sports prizes. He has also been featured in commercials for brands like Papa John’s Pizza and Capital One.
His voice is well-known in video games as well. Nantz provided commentary for Jack Nicklaus 6: Golden Bear Challenge and served as a commentator alongside Phil Simms for Madden NFL from 2012 to 2016.
Winemaking Endeavors
Beyond broadcasting, Nantz has pursued entrepreneurial ventures, including winemaking. In 2009, he partnered with wine producer Peter Deutsch to launch The Calling, a private wine label. The first vintage was released in 2012, and the brand has since gained popularity among wine enthusiasts.
Personal Life
Nantz’s personal life has had its share of ups and downs. He married Ann-Lorraine Carlsen in 1983, and the couple had a daughter, Caroline. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2009. As part of the settlement, Nantz was ordered to pay $916,000 annually in alimony and child support.
In 2012, he married Courtney Richards, with whom he had a daughter and a son. Unfortunately, the couple divorced in 2023.
Nantz has also channeled his personal experiences into writing. In 2008, he published Always By My Side: A Father’s Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other, in which he shared personal stories about sports and his late father, who passed away from Alzheimer’s disease that same year.
Legacy and Influence
Jim Nantz’s career has been marked by professionalism, longevity, and versatility. Whether covering the Masters, the NCAA tournament, or the Super Bowl, he has consistently delivered insightful and engaging commentary. His influence on the sports broadcasting industry is undeniable, and he continues to be one of the most respected figures in the field.
With a career spanning nearly 40 years, Jim Nantz remains a beloved and influential voice in American sports. His legacy as a sportscasting icon is firmly cemented, and his contributions to the industry will be remembered for generations to come.
