After 23 long years, NBC’s return to NBA coverage has fans buzzing, and leading the charge is none other than Mike Tirico. The familiar voice from the network’s glory days is back, bringing with him that old-school charm and a touch of nostalgia. With Roundball Rock blaring and Tirico anchoring the coverage, it feels like the ‘90s all over again. 

And as fans celebrate NBC’s comeback, many are now curious about the man at the center of it all—Mike Tirico—his journey, his decades in the business, and of course, just how much he’s worth after all these years in the game.

What is Mike Tirico’s net worth?

Mike Tirico has built an impressive career in sports broadcasting, earning an estimated net worth of around $14 million, with a reported annual salary of $6 million (as per Celebrity Net Worth).

His journey in the industry spans nearly four decades, starting in 1987. Early on, he cut his teeth at WTVH-TV in Syracuse, where he served as sports director and handled play-by-play coverage for a range of Syracuse University sports, from football and basketball to lacrosse and volleyball. 

What is Mike Tirico’s annual salary?

Mike Tirico reportedly earns an estimated $6 million annually, placing him among the top earners in sports broadcasting. While he isn’t the highest-paid—Tom Brady holds that title with his $375 million, 10-year Fox deal—Tirico’s salary reflects his decades of experience and versatility. Beyond his base pay, he makes money through event-specific bonuses, endorsements, guest appearances, and speaking engagements.

Mike Tirico’s early life and education

Mike Tirico’s journey in sports broadcasting started long before he became a household name. He graduated from Syracuse University’s prestigious S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1988, but his talent was already shining through even before earning his degree.

While still a student, he stepped into a professional role at WTVH-TV in Syracuse, covering a variety of sports and proving early on that he had the skills and dedication to make it big in the industry.

In July 1991, Tirico joined ESPN, marking the start of a 25-year chapter that would cement his reputation as one of the most versatile sportscasters in the business. At ESPN, he anchored SportsCenter and hosted Monday Night Countdown from 1993 to 2001, covering everything from the Masters and the Daytona 500 to the U.S. Open.

Over the years, he expanded his repertoire, handling play-by-play for college football, basketball, and golf, and covering major events like the NBA Finals, FIFA World Cup, and countless other marquee tournaments. His salary grew steadily during this time, ranging between $3 and $5 million annually, reflecting his rising stature in the sports world.

In 2016, Tirico made a significant career move to NBC Sports, where he immediately took on high-profile assignments. He hosted live coverage of the Olympics, the Open Championship, Notre Dame football, Thursday Night Football, and the Indianapolis 500. His versatility, being able to cover golf one week and the Indy 500 the next, made him an invaluable asset.

By January 2025, he entered his third season as the play-by-play voice of NBC’s Sunday Night Football, and in October 2025, he’ll step into a new role as the lead play-by-play announcer for the NBA’s return to NBC.

Along the way, his excellence has been recognized with Sports Emmy Awards in the Studio Host category in 2022 and 2023, cementing his legacy as one of the most respected voices in sports broadcasting.