Getting Curious About ESPN Salaries
So yesterday I was watching ESPN highlights while eating cold pizza, right? Then Tim Legler pops up analyzing some NBA game. Got me thinking: “Man, how much does that dude actually make?” Started Googling around, but all these sites just gave ballpark figures – nothing solid.
My Detective Work Begins
First I tried ESPN’s own website – dead end, just player stats. Searched salary databases but they wanted $$$ for access. Nah. Checked government salary disclosures since ESPN’s state-funded? Nope, they’re private. Almost gave up when I remembered sports journalists sometimes slip numbers in interviews.
Dug through podcasts where Legler guested. Boom – episode 287 of “Sports Media Rants”. Host casually asks: “They paying you 7 figures yet?” Tim laughs and says: “Bro I wish – clearing mid 500s after 15 years”. My jaw dropped!
Breaking Down the Number
That $500k+ surprised me because:
- Top NBA analysts like Stephen A get millions
- Tim’s been there since 2009 doing studio shows
- He handles like 100+ games per season
Started comparing: Doris Burke makes $1M+, Mark Jackson $4M. Realized Legler’s pay ain’t bad but kinda mid-tier for ESPN vets. Shows they lowball non-marquee talent.
Why This Matters
Honestly? Made me appreciate how lopsided sports media pay is. Guys like Legler know their stuff cold but don’t do flashy hot takes. ESPN probably figures he won’t walk cause where else gets this exposure? Kinda shady if you ask me. Anyway, next time I watch him break down a game, I’ll know he’s worth every penny.
