Back in 2015, Jon Gruden topped the list of ESPN’s highest-paid personalities, earning $6.5 million annually. Hired in 2009, Gruden’s salary was the result of a 2014 contract extension that allowed him to leave if he returned to coaching. He exercised that option in 2018, joining the NFL’s Oakland Raiders with a massive 10-year, $100 million contract. However, his tenure was tumultuous, marked by controversial roster moves and mixed results. In 2021, he resigned amid a scandal involving leaked emails containing offensive language.
Had Gruden remained at ESPN, he could have accumulated at least $65 million from 2014 to 2024 and likely signed a lucrative new deal worth $18–20 million per year. A prime example of this career trajectory is Stephen A. Smith, whose salary rose from $2 million in 2015 to $20 million in 2025. After rejecting a five-year, $90 million offer from ESPN in mid-2024, Smith later secured a record-breaking five-year, $100 million contract, making him the network’s highest-paid personality.
Meanwhile, Gruden, after leaving the Raiders, briefly consulted for the New Orleans Saints and launched a show with Barstool Sports in 2024—likely earning far less than his former ESPN salary.
Top ESPN Salaries in 2025
1. Stephen A. Smith – $20 million per year
In March 2025, Smith signed a five-year, $100 million deal, the largest ever for an ESPN on-air talent. As the host of First Take and a prominent NBA analyst, his new contract allows him to reduce some studio obligations while expanding into podcasting and political commentary.
2. Troy Aikman – $18–18.5 million per year
The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback joined Monday Night Football in 2022 under a five-year contract worth around $90–92.5 million. This was a significant increase from his previous $7.5 million salary at Fox Sports. ESPN’s investment in Aikman (alongside Joe Buck) was part of an effort to enhance MNF’s reputation.
3. Pat McAfee – $17 million per year
McAfee, a former NFL punter turned sports media personality, signed a five-year, $85 million deal with ESPN in 2023. This was actually a pay cut from his previous $30 million-per-year contract with FanDuel, but the move gave him greater exposure through ESPN. His Pat McAfee Show airs daily on the network, and his contract permits outside ventures, including WWE commentary.
4. Joe Buck – $15 million per year
A veteran play-by-play announcer, Buck left Fox Sports for ESPN in 2022 on a five-year deal reportedly worth between $60–75 million. He and Aikman were reunited for Monday Night Football, where his salary now falls between $12–15 million annually.
5. Adam Schefter – $9 million per year
ESPN’s premier NFL insider re-signed in 2022 with a five-year, $45 million contract—nearly doubling his previous earnings. His salary reflects his importance as a breaking-news specialist, particularly during events like the NFL Draft and trade deadlines.
6. Mike Greenberg – $6.5 million per year
A longtime ESPN personality, Greenberg has hosted Get Up! since 2017 and was promoted to lead Sunday NFL Countdown in 2024. He is also involved in ESPN’s NBA coverage, hosting NBA Countdown studio shows.
7. Michael Wilbon – $6 million per year
Wilbon has co-hosted Pardon the Interruption (PTI) with Tony Kornheiser since 2001, making it one of ESPN’s longest-running and most popular programs. He has also contributed to NBA coverage and was previously a Washington Post columnist.
8. Tony Kornheiser – $6 million per year
Like Wilbon, Kornheiser has been a staple of ESPN since launching PTI in 2001. While he primarily focuses on the show, he also hosts The Tony Kornheiser Show podcast. His enduring success highlights PTI’s consistent appeal to viewers.
A Look Back at ESPN’s 2015 Salaries
In 2015, salaries were significantly lower. Jon Gruden topped the list at $6.5 million, followed by Chris Berman ($5 million), Michael Wilbon ($4 million), and Tony Kornheiser ($4 million). At the time, Stephen A. Smith earned just $2 million, ranking outside the top 10.
Since then, salaries for top talent have skyrocketed, reflecting ESPN’s focus on securing marquee personalities in an increasingly competitive sports media landscape.
