Jim Nantz is an American sportscaster with an estimated net worth of $40 million. One of the most iconic voices in sports broadcasting, Nantz has spent decades as a lead announcer for CBS Sports, becoming synonymous with some of the biggest events in American sports.
Best known for his calm, elegant delivery and signature opening line, “Hello, friends,” Nantz has built a legacy as the voice of the NFL, NCAA basketball, and golf’s Masters Tournament, earning widespread respect as one of the greatest broadcasters in sports history.
| Jim Nantz Net Worth | $40 Million |
| Date of Birth | May 17, 1959 |
| Place of Birth | Charlotte, North Carolina |
Early Life
James William Nantz III was born on May 17, 1959, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was raised in Louisiana and New Jersey. He was active in sports during his school years, serving as co-captain of both the basketball and golf teams in high school.
He attended the University of Houston, where he played on the golf team and earned a degree in radio and television broadcasting in 1981. His time there helped lay the foundation for his future broadcasting career.
Broadcasting Career
Nantz began his career in local television, working as a sports anchor in Houston before moving to Salt Lake City’s KSL-TV, where he covered college football and NBA games.
His early work built a reputation for professionalism and strong storytelling, leading to his breakthrough opportunity with CBS Sports in 1985.
Rise at CBS Sports
After joining CBS, Nantz quickly became one of the network’s most important voices. He initially worked as a studio host and reporter before moving into major play-by-play roles across multiple sports.
Over time, he became:
- Lead announcer for The Masters Tournament (since 1989)
- Lead voice of CBS NFL coverage, including multiple Super Bowls
- Longtime broadcaster for NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, calling more than 30 Final Fours
He also hosted “The NFL Today” and covered major international events, including the Winter Olympics.
From 1990 through 2023, Nantz served as the primary voice of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, cementing his place in sports broadcasting history.
Signature Events
Nantz is most widely recognized for his work at the Masters Tournament, where he has been the lead announcer for more than three decades. His poetic commentary and emotional storytelling have become a defining part of the tournament’s identity.
In the NFL, he has called numerous Super Bowls, working alongside analysts such as Phil Simms and later Tony Romo. His partnership with Romo became one of the most popular broadcasting duos in modern sports television.
He has also been the voice of countless NCAA Tournament moments, making him a central figure in March Madness coverage for more than 30 years.
Jim Nantz Salary
Jim Nantz’s salary has grown significantly over his long tenure at CBS.
- During his divorce proceedings in 2009, his annual income was reported at approximately $7 million, with around $5 million from CBS
- His later CBS contract reportedly increased to about $6.5 million per year
- As broadcasting salaries surged across the industry, including multi-million-dollar deals for top analysts like Tony Romo, Nantz negotiated a new long-term contract in 2021
While exact figures were not disclosed, industry estimates suggest his current CBS salary is likely in the range of $10 million to $15 million per year, placing him among the highest-paid sports broadcasters in the world.
Other Work and Business Ventures
Beyond broadcasting, Nantz has expanded into multiple ventures:
- Appeared in TV shows such as Criminal Minds, How I Met Your Mother, and Arliss
- Featured in commercials for major brands
- Provided voiceover commentary for sports video games, including the Madden NFL series
- Launched a wine label, The Calling, in partnership with Peter Deutsch in 2009
These ventures have added to his overall brand and income beyond CBS.
Personal Life
Nantz was first married to Ann-Lorraine Carlsen in 1983, with whom he has one daughter. The couple divorced in 2009. He later married Courtney Richards in 2012, and they had two children before divorcing in 2023.
He is also the author of “Always By My Side,” a memoir reflecting on his life, career, and his father’s influence.
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