Sage Steele Wiki, Bio, Networth, BF, Husband, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Sage Steele

Sage Marie Steele is a prominent American television anchor and sportscaster, widely recognized for her extensive career spanning decades in sports broadcasting. Best known for her significant tenure at ESPN, Steele served as a co-host for the network’s flagship program, SportsCenter, and was the lead host for NBA Countdown for four seasons. Her engaging and polished delivery made her a familiar face covering major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, The Masters, and the NBA Finals. After departing from ESPN in 2023, Sage Steele embarked on a new chapter, launching her own podcast, “The Sage Steele Show,” on Bill Maher’s Club Random Studios podcast network, further cementing her influence in media.

Sage Steele Overview

Early Life and Education of Sage Steele

Sage Marie Steele was born on November 28, 1972, in the Panama Canal Zone, to an American Army family. Her father, Gary Steele, an African-American, made history as the first black varsity football player at West Point during the mid-1960s and later retired from the Army as a colonel after a distinguished 23-year career. He was inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. Sage Steele’s mother, Mona (O’Neil) Steele, is of Irish-Italian descent. This rich, biracial heritage significantly shaped Sage’s identity and perspective, a topic she has openly discussed throughout her career.

Due to her father’s military career, Sage Steele’s childhood was marked by frequent relocations, including living in various states and countries like Greece and Belgium. In 1984, during her seventh-grade year, her family moved back to the United States, settling in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She attended Thomas B. Doherty High School there for two years before moving to Carmel, Indiana, where she graduated from Carmel High School in 1990.

Steele pursued her higher education at Indiana University Bloomington, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sports communication in 1995. Her academic foundation in sports communication laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in sports journalism. Two decades after her graduation, in 2015, Sage Steele returned to her alma mater to deliver the undergraduate commencement address, an honor she described as the greatest of her life. Her educational background and unique upbringing provided her with a diverse worldview that has influenced her approach to reporting and public discourse.

Sage Steele’s Career

Sage Steele’s career in television broadcasting began immediately after her college graduation in 1995. Her foundational roles included working as a news producer and reporter at WSBT-TV, the CBS affiliate in South Bend, Indiana, from 1995 to 1997. She then moved to WISH-TV in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she served as a weekend morning sports anchor and weekday reporter from 1997 to 1998, covering local teams like the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers, as well as major events such as the Indianapolis 500.

From 1998 to 2001, Steele continued to hone her skills as a sports reporter at WFTS-TV in Tampa, Florida, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Orlando Magic. During this period, she also contributed to Fox Sports Florida. A significant step in her career came in 2001 when she joined Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic in Bethesda, Maryland, as an original personality for the network’s launch. For six years, she was an anchor and reporter for SportsNite, covering the Washington, D.C./Baltimore region, and notably served as a beat reporter for the Baltimore Ravens.

Sage Steele’s professional trajectory soared when she joined ESPN in 2007. Initially debuting on the 6:00 p.m. ET edition of SportsCenter on March 16, 2007, she quickly became a fixture at the network. Over her 16-year tenure with ESPN, Steele took on a multitude of high-profile roles. She was a full-time host of SportsCenter, ESPN’s flagship program, and later co-hosted the 12 noon ET edition. She also frequently hosted SportsCenter on the Road, providing on-site coverage from major sporting events, including the Super Bowl, The Masters, the World Series, and the College Football National Championship.

A significant highlight of her career at ESPN was hosting NBA Countdown on ESPN and ABC for four seasons, from 2013 to 2017. She covered every NBA Finals from 2012 to 2020, demonstrating her deep knowledge and passion for basketball. Beyond these major roles, Steele contributed to other popular ESPN shows such as ESPN First Take, Mike & Mike in the Morning, and SportsNation. Her versatility extended beyond sports; she co-hosted the Miss America Pageant in 2017 and 2018 on ABC, hosted the Scripps National Spelling Bee from 2010 to 2013, and has been a recurring host for ABC’s Tournament of Roses Parade since 2018. Steele also made memorable appearances as a guest host on ABC’s The View and as a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live! In a notable moment in 2013, she had the honor of driving the pace car for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Brickyard 400.

Sage Steele’s time at ESPN concluded in August 2023 when she mutually agreed to part ways with the network after settling a lawsuit she filed against ESPN and its parent company, Disney. Following her departure, Steele swiftly embarked on new ventures. In March 2024, she was announced as the first podcast host on Bill Maher’s Club Random Studios podcast network, launching “The Sage Steele Show,” where she engages in deeper, personal conversations. Additionally, in April 2024, she took on a voice role in the animated comedy series Mr. Birchum. Her career journey, marked by consistent growth and adaptability, underscores her position as a respected and enduring figure in the media landscape.

Sage Steele Personal Life & Family

Sage Steele’s personal life has been a significant aspect of her public narrative, marked by her family, relationships, and deeply held beliefs. She married Jonathan Bailey in 1999, after meeting him at Indiana University and dating for over six years. Together, they built a family with three children: daughters Quinn (born in 2002) and Evan (born in 2006), and a son, Nicholas (born in 2004). Jonathan Bailey notably took on the role of a stay-at-home dad, a decision they made to prioritize their children’s upbringing and avoid daycare.

After two decades of marriage, Sage Steele and Jonathan Bailey divorced in 2019. Steele has candidly spoken about the emotional challenges of this period, describing her divorce from her college sweetheart as one of the most difficult times in her life. Despite their separation, they continue to co-parent their children.

Steele is a proud Catholic, a faith that plays a role in her personal life. She has openly discussed the complexities of her biracial identity, being the daughter of an African-American father and an Irish-Italian mother. She has shared experiences of being mistaken for her children’s nanny due to their lighter complexions, which she attributes to her mixed heritage and her ex-husband’s Caucasian background. These personal experiences have informed her nuanced perspective on race and identity.

Beyond her immediate family, Sage Steele maintains strong ties with her siblings, including her brother Chad Steele, who holds a prominent position as the Senior Vice President of Media Relations for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. In her spare time, Steele has expressed a passion for working alongside military veterans, a dedication likely stemming from her military upbringing. She has served on the board of the Pat Tillman Foundation, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, and the Boys & Girls Club of America. She currently resides in both Connecticut and Florida.

Awards and Achievements of Sage Steele

Sage Steele’s distinguished career has earned her recognition and several notable achievements throughout her journey in sports broadcasting and beyond. While specific “awards” are less commonly cited for television anchors in the traditional sense, her impact and influence are evident through key milestones and honors.

• Indiana University Commencement Speaker (2015): A significant honor, Steele was invited to deliver the undergraduate commencement address at her alma mater, Indiana University Bloomington, in 2015. She publicly stated that this was the greatest honor of her career, highlighting her connection to her educational roots and her inspirational journey.
• Distinguished Alumni Award from Indiana University (2018): Further solidifying her connection and impact on her alma mater, Sage Steele was recognized with a Distinguished Alumni Award from Indiana University in 2018, celebrating her successful career and contributions.
• Coverage of Major Sporting Events: Her consistent role as a lead host and anchor for marquee events like the Super Bowl, The Masters, NBA Finals (from 2012-2020), and the World Series speaks volumes about her reputation and skill in the competitive world of sports journalism.
• Hosting Diverse National Events: Steele’s versatility was showcased through her hosting duties for non-sports broadcasts, including the Scripps National Spelling Bee (2010-2013), the Miss America Pageant (2017 & 2018), and the Tournament of Roses Parade (since 2018), demonstrating her ability to connect with diverse audiences.
• Pace Car Driver for NASCAR Brickyard 400 (2013): This unique opportunity allowed her to participate directly in a major sporting event, driving the pace car, which underscored her engagement with the racing world.
• Philanthropic Board Memberships: Her commitment to social causes is reflected in her active board memberships with prestigious organizations such as the Pat Tillman Foundation, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the Boys & Girls Club of America, and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). These roles highlight her dedication to community service and supporting important causes.

While her career at ESPN involved considerable recognition and popularity, her post-ESPN endeavors, such as launching “The Sage Steele Show,” reflect her continued influence and desire to engage in meaningful discourse on her own terms.

Sage Steele Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Sage Steele’s net worth is estimated to be between $1.5 million and $3 million. Some reports have suggested higher figures, potentially up to $10 million, though the more conservative estimate is widely cited. Her income has been generated through a multi-faceted career in television broadcasting, hosting, and more recently, podcasting and public speaking engagements.

During her long and successful tenure at ESPN, Sage Steele commanded a substantial salary. Industry estimates suggest that top-tier talent like Steele at major networks could earn hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, with her ESPN salary reportedly around $400,000 per year. This income was derived from her roles as an anchor and host for prominent programs such as SportsCenter and NBA Countdown, as well as her contributions to other network shows and coverage of major sporting events.

Following her departure from ESPN in August 2023, after settling her lawsuit with the company, Steele’s income streams diversified. She now hosts “The Sage Steele Show” on Bill Maher’s Club Random Studios podcast network, which contributes to her current earnings. Additionally, Sage Steele is a sought-after speaker, with speaking engagement fees estimated to range from $30,000 to $50,000 per event. Her continued presence in media, including her voice role in the animated series Mr. Birchum in 2024, indicates ongoing income generation from various professional endeavors.

Legacy and Influence

Sage Steele has carved out a significant legacy in sports broadcasting, marked by her professionalism, versatility, and enduring presence in an often male-dominated field. For over two decades, she was one of the most recognizable and respected female sportscasters in the United States. Her long tenure at ESPN, covering some of the biggest events in sports from the NBA Finals to the Super Bowl and The Masters, established her as a trusted voice and a pioneer for women in sports media.

Steele’s influence extends beyond her on-air roles. She has served as a role model for aspiring broadcasters, particularly women and individuals of mixed-race heritage, demonstrating the possibilities of achieving prominence through dedication and talent. Her willingness to discuss her experiences as a biracial woman and the challenges she faced has provided a voice for others navigating similar complexities.

Philanthropically, Sage Steele has made significant contributions through her involvement with numerous charitable organizations. She is a dedicated board member for the Pat Tillman Foundation, supporting military veterans, and serves on the board of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, actively contributing to efforts to find a cure for cancer. Her commitment also extends to the Boys & Girls Club of America and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), showcasing her broad impact on community well-being.

In her post-ESPN career, by launching “The Sage Steele Show,” she has demonstrated an intent to engage in more expansive conversations, exploring topics beyond sports. This move signifies a desire to use her platform to express her views more freely and encourage open dialogue, contributing to a broader cultural discussion. Her public image, though at times subject to controversy, reflects a broadcaster who has consistently prioritized honesty and authenticity, making her a compelling and influential figure in modern media.

Interesting Facts about Sage Steele

• Military Family Roots: Sage Steele was born in the Panama Canal Zone into a military family, with her father, Gary Steele, being a retired U.S. Army Colonel and a trailblazer as the first black varsity football player at West Point.
• Turning Down ESPN (Initially): She was first offered a job at ESPN in 2004 but declined it because she was pregnant with her second child, prioritizing her family. She later joined the network in 2007.
• Brother in NFL Media: Her brother, Chad Steele, is also a prominent figure in professional sports, serving as the Senior Vice President of Media Relations for the Baltimore Ravens.
• Biracial Identity Discussions: Steele has been open about her experiences as a biracial woman (African-American father, Irish-Italian mother), including instances where people have mistaken her for her children’s nanny due to their lighter skin tones.
• Pace Car Driver: In 2013, she had the unique opportunity to drive the pace car for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Brickyard 400.
• Accidental Golf Ball Incident: During the 2022 PGA Championship, Steele was accidentally hit in the face by a golf ball struck by professional golfer Jon Rahm, an incident he later apologized for.
• Multi-Talented Host: Beyond sports, she has hosted the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the Miss America Pageant, and the Tournament of Roses Parade, showcasing her versatility as a broadcaster.
• Catholic Faith: Sage Steele is a practicing Catholic.
• “Mommy Blogger”: In 2015, she briefly ventured into “mommy blogging,” contributing several stories to the Disney-owned platform, Babble.

Controversies

Sage Steele’s career, while largely celebrated, has also included notable controversies, particularly towards the end of her tenure at ESPN. The most significant incident occurred in October 2021 when she was temporarily suspended by ESPN for remarks made during an appearance on Jay Cutler’s “Uncut” podcast.

During the podcast, Steele made several comments that sparked widespread discussion and criticism. She expressed her strong distaste for COVID-19 vaccine mandates, referring to them as “sick” and “scary.” She also questioned why former President Barack Obama identified as Black, given his biracial heritage and being raised by his white mother and grandparents, drawing a comparison to her own biracial background. Additionally, Steele made comments suggesting that women in sports journalism might be partially to blame for harassment due to how they dress.

Following these remarks, Steele issued an apology, acknowledging that her comments “created controversy for the company” and emphasizing the need for constructive and thoughtful communication during challenging times. Despite the apology, she was pulled from several high-profile assignments, including the New York City Marathon and the espnW Summit.

In April 2022, Sage Steele filed a lawsuit against ESPN and its parent company, Walt Disney Co., alleging that the network had retaliated against her in the months following the podcast incident. Her lawsuit claimed that ESPN violated her First Amendment rights by taking opportunities away from her and steadily degrading her career. She also accused ESPN of selectively enforcing its policy on political and social commentary among its employees, arguing that her comments were made as a private citizen. The lawsuit claimed ESPN forced her to apologize for her remarks.

The legal battle culminated in August 2023 when Steele and ESPN/Disney reached a settlement, the terms of which were not publicly disclosed. Concurrently with the settlement, Steele announced her departure from ESPN, stating that she chose to leave so she could “exercise my first amendment rights more freely.”

Earlier in her career, Steele had also faced criticism for a 2017 Instagram post where she complained about flight delays due to protests against President Donald Trump’s travel bans. She also expressed frustration at ESPN’s coverage of the Charlottesville riots in 2017, advocating that the network should “stick to sports.” These instances highlight her consistent stance on certain social and political issues, sometimes diverging from mainstream media narratives or corporate policies.

Social Media Presence

Sage Steele maintains an active and engaged presence across various social media platforms, utilizing them to connect with her audience, share her perspectives, and promote her professional endeavors. She is active on platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube.

On these platforms, Sage Steele shares updates about “The Sage Steele Show,” her new podcast, and other projects. She often engages in discussions, offering her insights on current events, sports, and social issues, consistent with her stated desire to exercise her “first amendment rights more freely” after leaving ESPN. While specific, constantly updated follower counts for 2025 are fluid and not consistently reported in verifiable sources, her substantial career and outspoken nature ensure she commands a significant online following across her digital channels. Her social media profiles serve as direct conduits for her personal brand and communication with her dedicated fanbase and the wider public.

Final Words about Sage Steele

Sage Steele’s journey through the landscape of American television broadcasting has been defined by her talent, resilience, and willingness to articulate her beliefs. After a distinguished 16-year career at ESPN, where she became one of the network’s most prominent and versatile anchors, Steele embarked on a new chapter in August 2023. Her departure followed a high-profile lawsuit and settlement with ESPN, a move she framed as an opportunity to exercise her First Amendment rights more freely.

Currently, Sage Steele is making her mark in the podcasting world as the host of “The Sage Steele Show” on Bill Maher’s Club Random Studios podcast network, launched in March 2024. This platform allows her to engage in in-depth conversations on a broader range of topics, showcasing her intellect and personality beyond traditional sports commentary. Her foray into animated series with a voice role in Mr. Birchum in April 2024 further illustrates her evolving career path and adaptability in the media industry.

Sage Steele’s legacy is multifaceted. She stands as a pioneering figure for women in sports broadcasting, having broken barriers and achieved success at the highest levels of the profession. Her engaging on-air presence, ability to cover diverse events, and dedication to her craft have inspired many. Moreover, her advocacy for various philanthropic causes, including supporting military veterans and cancer research, highlights a deep commitment to social responsibility. Despite facing public scrutiny and controversies, Steele has maintained a public image of authenticity and a commitment to speaking her truth, qualities that resonate with a significant portion of her audience. Her career continues to evolve, promising a future of impactful contributions to media and public discourse.