In the world of sports broadcasting, few names resonate as strongly as Jim Nantz. With over forty years of broadcasting career, he has amassed a great fortune as well. And this article is all about Jim Nantz net worth and career along with a brief view of his early life.
Table of Contents
Who is Jim Nantz?
James William Nantz III, widely known as Jim Nantz, is a much popular sports broadcaster from America. Nantz’s got widely famous due to his role as the lead play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports.
Jim is probably best known for his work as the lead announcer for CBS’s Masters Tournament. This coverage was one of golf’s most prestigious events. Additionally, Jim was the main announcer for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament for 33 years.
Throughout his career, Jim’s impressive broadcasting made him a high-profile persona in this industry.
| Full Name | James William Nantz III |
| Born | May 17, 1959 (age 64) |
| Birthplace | Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) |
| Profession | Sports Commentator |
| Social Media | |
| Net Worth | $15 million |
| Salary | $5 Million |
What is Jim Nantz Net Worth?
As of 2023, the popular sportscaster, Jim Nantz owns around $15 million in net worth. While his annual salary is reported to be $5 million. These figures are mostly the result of his extensive broadcasting career.
Jim also runs Jim Nantz Productions, a production firm of his own. And he also private wine line named The Calling. These ventures are also the sources of his net worth.
Early Life
Born in 1959 in North Carolina, Jim Nantz grew up in different places in his childhood. He spent his high school days at Marlboro High School. There, he became the team’s top golfer and co-captain of the basketball squad. His love for golf led him to be part of the Bamm Hollow Country Club.
His connection with sports continued when he entered the University of Houston. Nantz joined the Cougars men’s golf team and roomed with future golf stars Fred Couples and Blaine McCallister. He completed his graduation in 1981 with a degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting. It was at this time that Nantz got his start in sports broadcasting.
Jim worked with the CBS Radio Network. He used to send taped interviews to Win Elliot for his Sports Central USA reports over the weekends. This early experience was a hint of the amazing broadcasting journey that awaited him.
Broadcasting Career: Major Source Behind Jim Nantz Net Worth
Jim Nantz’s broadcasting career has been the major source of his fortune. His annual salary over the years has been in the millions. That impressively boosted his net worth. Here is a summary of his professional career to date.
Nantz kicked off his broadcasting adventure in the early 1980s, starting as an anchor and sportscaster for KHOU in Houston, Texas. Then in the mid-1980s, Nantz took his talents to KSL-TV in Salt Lake City.
The year 1985 was a great turning point in Nantz’s career when he joined CBS Sports. He also ventured onto the golf course as an on-course reporter for PGA Tour events.
Nantz’s journey in sports commentary continued to evolve as he made it to NFL broadcasts. However, it was the Masters Tournament that truly extended his presence in sports broadcasting. He worked as the lead announcer for this CBS’s coverage for more than three decades.
He took center stage as the lead play-by-play announcer for the NCAA Final Four men’s basketball finals.
Even in the football world, Nantz has had a great experience as a sportscaster. He had the chance to call the play-by-play for Super Bowl XLI in 2007.
In 2014, Nantz’s broadcasting journey took another exciting turn. That year he and Phil Simms began calling Thursday Night Football games.
Later the spot was eventually passed to Tony Romo in 2017. So he and Romo called Super Bowl LIII in 2019 and Super Bowl LV in 2021.
Other Activities
Beyond his broadcasting, Jim Nantz worked in other shows sometimes. He’s been on a game show called “The Price Is Right.” Also, in the movie “Tin Cup,” Jim Nantz appeared in it as himself. He also popped up in TV shows like “Arliss,” “Yes, Dear,” “Criminal Minds,” and “How I Met Your Mother.”
He also did one for Papa John’s Pizza with Peyton Manning, a famous football player. Along with Charles Barkley and Samuel L. Jackson, Nantz was a part of the March Madness advertisement.
FAQs
Why is Jim Nantz retiring?
Jim Nantz is retiring from calling the Final Four to spend more time with his family. But he’s not retiring from broadcasting completely.
Who will replace Jim Nantz at the Masters?
According to The New York Post, Ian Eagle will replace Jim Nantz at the Masters starting in 2024.
How much is Jim Nantz paid?
The CBS broadcaster, Jim Nantz reportedly paid around $10 million in annual salary.
Did Jim Nantz play football?
No, Jim Nantz did not play football. He is a sports broadcaster, not a football player.
Final Thoughts
With over four decades, Nantz has had a great broadcasting career in the industry. In his journey in sportscasting of different sports, he has earned substantial paychecks as well. And Jim Nantz net worth is the result of that. Even though he is on break for now, Nantz surely return anytime soon.