Erin Andrews
More than two decades into her career, Erin Andrews still loves keeping up with the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions and the rest of the NFL squads. "It's the best reality show out there," the sideline reporter raved to E! News in August 2025, sharing that she'd "just re-upped with Fox."
And her reported $2 million-a-year contract is just a piece of a playbook that includes endorsement deals, her Calm Down with Erin and Charissa podcast and the WEAR by Erin Andrews clothing line Taylor Swift has relied on to play cheer captain for husband Travis Kelce.
Plus, the gig is "so much fun," Andrews noted, sharing she loves teaming up with Tom Brady and Kevin Burkhardt. "We get to cover the best athletes in all of the world."
Tom Brady
The seven-time Super Bowl champ continued making big plays after hanging up his pads (for the second time) in 2023. After hauling in an estimated $333 million during his 23 seasons in the league, the NFL quarterback inked a 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox in 2022.
Charles Barkley
Following 16 seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets, NBA power forward Charles Barkley netted a deal with TNT in 2000 for their Inside the NBA programming. In 2022, he scored a 10-year extension worth $210 million.
Tony Romo
"I still get a little nervous before broadcasting games," Tony Romo acknowledged to The Athletic in 2019 of kicking off his CBS Sports analyst gig following 14 seasons as Dallas' QB. "But I think postgame is the biggest difference. Now, I get on a plane and I am decompressing. After (playing) in a football game, I would be up until 4 a.m. doing every play in my mind."
The four-time Pro Bowler signed a 10-year, $180 million contract extension in 2020. However, he was placed on indefinite leave after a July 2026 arrest for operating a vehicle while impaired. Revealing he'd pled no contest, Romo shared on social media in September, "I own this completely."
Pat McAfee
Clearly Pat McAfee has only improved his ball-handling skills since his days as a punter for the Indianapolis Colts. Juggling roles on ESPN's College GameDay, Monday Night Countdown and as host of The Pat McAfee Show means he could tackle upwards of $60 million per year.
Maria Taylor
A two-sport athlete at the University of Georgia, basketball and volleyball standout Maria Taylor continues to bank in big plays. She signed a multi-year contract in 2025 when named NBC Sports' lead NBA and WNBA studio host. And though the stat sheet wasn't released, Taylor was previously making $1 million a year at ESPN.
Shaquille O'Neal
The NBA big man's 7-foot-1 stature isn't the only thing that looms large. A decade-and-a-half into Shaquille O'Neal's tenure at TNT sports, the four-time champ ran a new play. With his 2025 deal, he'll net a reported $15 million per year.
Stephen A. Smith
It's hard to dunk on Stephen A. Smith's hustle. The onetime college point guard doesn't just talk the talk as an ESPN analyst. Thanks to roles on First Take, SportsCenter and NBA Countdown, he signed a five-year, $105 million contract with the network in 2025, rebounding an additional $36 million from SiriusXM for his self-titled radio show.
Troy Aikman
How 'bout that deal? After two decades at Fox, former Cowboys QB Troy Aikman called an audible in 2022. Agreeing to suit up for ESPN's Monday Night Football, the three-time Super Bowl champion signed a five-year contract worth upwards of $90 million.