Jim Nantz has been a prominent figure in sports broadcasting for nearly four decades, primarily with CBS Sports. He joined CBS in 1985, initially serving as a studio host for college football and basketball, and as an on-course reporter for PGA Tour golf. Over the years, Nantz expanded his repertoire to include play-by-play commentary for the NFL, NCAA basketball, and golf tournaments. He has anchored CBS’s coverage of the Masters Tournament since 1989 and became the lead play-by-play announcer for NFL on CBS in 2004.
In October 2022, Nantz announced his decision to step away from NCAA basketball coverage after the 2023 tournament to spend more time with his family. Ian Eagle was named as his successor for the lead play-by-play role in NCAA basketball.
As of January 2025, Nantz reached a significant milestone by calling his 500th NFL game, making him the first play-by-play announcer in CBS history to achieve this feat. Throughout his career, he has covered numerous significant events, including seven Super Bowls and 20 AFC championship games.
Regarding his financial standing, during his 2009 divorce proceedings, it was revealed that Nantz’s annual income was approximately $7 million, with $5 million coming from his CBS contract. His salary was later increased to $6.5 million per year under a contract that expired in 2020. While specific details about his current contract are not publicly available, Nantz remains one of the highest-paid sportscasters in the industry.
Nantz’s contributions to sports broadcasting have been recognized with multiple awards, including two Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Personality, Play-by-Play in 2009 and 2010, and five National Sportscaster of the Year awards from the National Sports Media Association.
At 65, Nantz continues to be a prominent voice in sports broadcasting, showing no signs of slowing down and maintaining a renewed enthusiasm for his work.
Contract Negotiations and Career with CBS
As CBS entered discussions for a new agreement, Jim Nantz aimed for a contract on par with or surpassing those of his peers. His NFL broadcasting partner, Tony Romo, had secured a historic 10-year, $180 million contract, making him the highest-paid sports commentator at the time. Considering Nantz’s extensive contributions to CBS—covering not only NFL games but also prestigious events like the Masters Tournament and NCAA basketball—he sought a similarly substantial deal.
In March 2021, Nantz confirmed a renewed contract with CBS, though specific salary details were not publicly disclosed. However, based on Romo’s deal and the earnings of other leading commentators such as Joe Buck and Mike Tirico, estimates suggest that Nantz’s annual salary falls between $10 million and $15 million.
Early Life and Education
Born on May 17, 1959, in Charlotte, North Carolina, James Nantz III spent his early years in various locations, including New Orleans, Louisiana, and Marlboro Township, New Jersey. His childhood was deeply influenced by his enthusiasm for sports, particularly basketball and golf, both of which he actively participated in during high school.
Nantz went on to attend the University of Houston, where he was a member of the Cougars men’s golf team. His passion for sports extended beyond playing, leading him to pursue a degree in radio and television broadcasting. This academic path provided the groundwork for his sportscasting career, allowing him to blend his love for athletics with his broadcasting expertise.
Career Beginnings in Sportscasting
Jim Nantz’s journey in broadcasting started in Houston, where he worked as an anchor and sportscaster for KHOU-TV. He later moved to Salt Lake City’s KSL-TV, where he covered BYU football and Utah Jazz games from 1982 to 1985. His talent and engaging presence quickly caught the attention of CBS Sports, leading to his hiring in 1985.
CBS Sports Career
Early Years
Upon joining CBS Sports, Nantz took on the role of a studio host for the network’s college football and basketball coverage. He also worked as an on-course reporter for PGA Tour events. From 1986 to 1989, he served as a play-by-play announcer for NBA games, and between 1987 and 1990, he covered NFL games on CBS Radio.
In 1989, Nantz assumed 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. Following Brent Musburger’s departure in 1990, Nantz was promoted to lead play-by-play announcer for NCAA men’s basketball tournaments, a role he maintained until 2023.
NFL and Super Bowl Coverage
Nantz has played a pivotal role in CBS’s NFL coverage. In 1998, he became the host of The NFL Today, the network’s pre-game show. That same year, he also served as the prime-time host for the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano. By 2003, he transitioned into the role of lead play-by-play announcer for CBS’s NFL broadcasts, teaming up with Phil Simms in the booth. He made history in 2007 when he provided play-by-play commentary for Super Bowl XLI.
Over the years, Nantz cemented his reputation as one of the most prominent voices in sports broadcasting. In 2014, he and Simms began calling Thursday Night Football games. By 2017, Tony Romo, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, replaced Simms as Nantz’s broadcast partner, quickly becoming a fan-favorite color commentator. The duo went on to call multiple Super Bowls together, including Super Bowls LIII, LV, and LVIII.
Other Media Appearances
Beyond sports broadcasting, Nantz has made guest appearances in television and film. He has appeared on popular shows like Arliss, Criminal Minds, and How I Met Your Mother. From 2004 to 2005, he portrayed a fictional baseball announcer in the series Clubhouse and later appeared in Nickelodeon’s Fantasy Football television movie.
He has also made appearances as a guest presenter on The Price is Right, showcasing CBS Sports prizes. Additionally, Nantz has been featured in commercials for brands such as Papa John’s Pizza and Capital One.
His voice is familiar to video game players as well. Nantz provided commentary for Jack Nicklaus 6: Golden Bear Challenge and served as a play-by-play announcer alongside Phil Simms in the Madden NFL video game series from 2012 to 2016.
Winemaking Endeavors
In addition to his broadcasting career, Nantz has ventured into winemaking. In 2009, he partnered with wine producer Peter Deutsch to create The Calling, a private wine label. The first vintage was released in 2012, and since then, the brand has gained popularity among wine enthusiasts.
Personal Life
Nantz’s personal life has had its 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, with Nantz being ordered to pay $916,000 annually in alimony and child support.
In 2012, he married Courtney Richards, and together they had a son and a daughter. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce in 2023.
Nantz has also drawn from his personal experiences in his 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 defined by his professionalism, longevity, and versatility. Whether covering the Masters, NCAA tournaments, or the Super Bowl, he has consistently provided insightful and engaging commentary. His impact on sports broadcasting is undeniable, and he remains one of the most respected figures in the field.
With a career spanning nearly four decades, Nantz continues to be a beloved and influential voice in American sports. His legacy as a sportscasting icon is firmly established, and his contributions to the industry will be remembered for generations to come.
