Who Are the Highest-Paid ESPN Personalities? Ranking the Top Stars by Salary.
ESPN has long been the gold standard in sports broadcasting, bringing top-tier analysts, broadcasters, and hosts into the homes of millions of viewers. The network's most prominent personalities play an essential role in shaping the sports media landscape, with many earning sizable salaries in return for their expertise, charisma, and appeal.
From Hall-of-Fame athletes to seasoned journalists, these figures command impressive contracts for their work. Let’s take a look at the highest-paid ESPN personalities, ranked from the least to the highest paid, along with insights into their roles and influence.
#8: Tony Kornheiser – $6 Million per year
Tony Kornheiser has been a mainstay on ESPN since 2001, co-hosting the popular sports talk show Pardon the Interruption (PTI) alongside his longtime friend and colleague Michael Wilbon. Known for his wit, humor, and distinct commentary style, Kornheiser has helped build PTI into one of ESPN’s most iconic programs, celebrating over two decades of success. Although Kornheiser’s appearances outside PTI are limited, his steady presence and consistent viewership keep him firmly entrenched in ESPN's roster.
In addition to his role on PTI, Kornheiser also hosts The Tony Kornheiser Show podcast, which has a dedicated following. His ability to engage audiences with both his insights and irreverent humor ensures his continued relevance and high pay despite the changing landscape of sports media.
#7: Michael Wilbon – $6 Million per year
As co-host of Pardon the Interruption with Kornheiser, Michael Wilbon has become one of the most recognizable voices in sports journalism. Wilbon has been with ESPN for over two decades, building a reputation as one of the network’s most insightful and authoritative analysts, particularly in the realms of basketball and NFL coverage. His extensive career includes stints as a reporter for the Washington Post and appearances on ESPN’s NBA Countdown and The Sports Reporters.
While PTI is the cornerstone of his career, Wilbon’s longevity and versatility across various platforms have solidified his position as one of ESPN’s highest-paid talents. As the show enters its 25th year, Wilbon's partnership with Kornheiser remains a key pillar of ESPN's sports programming.
#6: Mike Greenberg – $6.5 Million per year
Mike Greenberg’s nearly quarter-century tenure at ESPN has been marked by his adaptability and consistent performance across television, radio, and digital platforms. Greenberg initially rose to fame as a co-host of the hugely successful Mike & Mike radio show, which ran from 2000 to 2017. After parting ways with Mike & Mike, Greenberg took on the role of hosting Get Up!, ESPN's morning talk show, where his insight and charm have made him a household name in sports broadcasting.
In addition to his morning duties, Greenberg has also played an integral role in ESPN's NFL and NBA coverage, hosting NBA Countdown and now Sunday NFL Countdown. His ability to maintain a high profile across various sports coverage has earned him a respectable salary, ensuring his place as one of the top ESPN earners.
#5: Adam Schefter – $9 Million per year
As ESPN’s premier NFL insider, Adam Schefter has earned his reputation as the go-to source for breaking news and inside information on everything related to the National Football League. His ability to deliver scoops and updates has made him one of the most valuable figures at the network. Schefter signed a five-year extension worth approximately $45 million in 2022, nearly doubling his previous salary.
Beyond NFL Draft coverage and Sunday NFL Countdown, Schefter’s presence on ESPN’s digital platforms and his access to exclusive stories make him an essential part of ESPN’s NFL coverage. His status as one of the most influential sports journalists has secured his high compensation, which reflects the value of his work behind the scenes.
#4: Joe Buck – $15 Million per year
Joe Buck, a renowned play-by-play announcer with a storied career, made the leap from Fox Sports to ESPN in 2022. Known for his decades-long involvement in broadcasting the NFL and Major League Baseball, Buck’s move to ESPN brought him alongside his longtime partner Troy Aikman to cover Monday Night Football. Buck’s impressive résumé includes calling six Super Bowls and a multitude of World Series games, which have made him one of the most respected figures in sports media.
His deal with ESPN, which is rumored to be in the $60-75 million range over five years, represents a substantial salary increase from his time at Fox, where he earned around $10 million per year. As one of the most recognizable voices in sports, Buck’s presence in ESPN’s NFL and MLB broadcasts makes him one of the network’s highest-paid personalities.
#3: Pat McAfee – $17 Million per year
Pat McAfee, a former NFL punter turned multimedia personality, has quickly become one of the most popular figures at ESPN. Known for his irreverent humor and candid commentary, McAfee made waves in the sports world when he signed a 5-year, $85 million contract with ESPN in 2023. Although McAfee took a pay cut to join the network (he was previously earning $30 million annually with FanDuel), the move provided him with a broader platform to grow his brand.
McAfee’s daily Pat McAfee Show now airs on ESPN, and his contract allows him to continue other ventures, such as his commentary role with WWE. McAfee’s unique blend of entertainment, sports commentary, and larger-than-life personality has made him an invaluable asset to ESPN, leading to one of the network’s largest paydays.
#2: Troy Aikman – $18–18.5 Million per year
Troy Aikman, the Hall-of-Fame quarterback and three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys, made a high-profile transition to ESPN in 2022. He signed a five-year deal reportedly worth around $90 million, translating to an annual salary of $18 million+. This significant pay jump came after Aikman’s time as the lead NFL analyst at Fox Sports, where he earned about $7.5 million per year.
At ESPN, Aikman teamed up with Joe Buck to restore the prestige of Monday Night Football (MNF). His Super Bowl-winning experience and deep knowledge of the NFL make him one of the most sought-after analysts in the game. Aikman’s pay reflects his status as a top-tier commentator, as well as the value ESPN places on his insights and expertise.
#1: Stephen A. Smith – $20 Million per year
At the top of the salary ranks is Stephen A. Smith, the undisputed face of ESPN. Smith’s rise to prominence began with his role as an analyst on First Take, where his fiery debates and passionate opinions made him a household name. In March 2025, Smith signed a massive five-year contract extension reportedly worth at least $100 million, setting a record for ESPN’s largest deal for on-air talent.
Smith’s contract provides him with the flexibility to scale back his studio duties while also expanding into new areas, such as his own podcast and political commentary. Known for his outspoken style, Smith remains ESPN’s signature personality, dominating both sports coverage and pop culture discussions. His new deal, which significantly raises his previous salary of around $12 million per year, further solidifies his position as ESPN's highest-paid star.
Conclusion
These salaries reflect the immense influence and market value of these ESPN personalities. From veteran broadcasters like Joe Buck and Troy Aikman to rising stars such as Pat McAfee, ESPN’s top earners represent a diverse range of expertise and entertainment. Their ability to engage audiences, deliver breaking news, and contribute to ESPN’s reputation as a leading sports network ensures they remain at the top of the pay scale. As ESPN continues to evolve and expand its digital offerings, it’s clear that these personalities will remain integral to the network's success, commanding salaries that reflect their high-profile roles.
