Shae Cornette Wiki, Bio, Networth, Partner, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Shae Cornette

Shae Cornette, born Shae Peppler, is a distinguished American television sports anchor and media personality who has carved a prominent niche for herself in the competitive world of sports broadcasting. Best known for her insightful commentary and dynamic on-screen presence, she has become a familiar face to sports enthusiasts across the nation. Her career trajectory has seen her rise through various significant roles, from local sports reporting in Chicago to national platforms like the Big Ten Network, Fox Sports, and SiriusXM. Currently, she is a key figure at ESPN, where she has served as a host for the network’s flagship program, SportsCenter. In a significant career advancement, Cornette was named the new host of ESPN’s popular debate show, First Take, succeeding Molly Qerim in October 2025. Her extensive knowledge across multiple sports, coupled with her engaging delivery, has solidified her reputation as a respected and influential voice in sports media.

Shae Cornette Overview

Early Life and Education of Shae Cornette

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, Shae Cornette developed a passion for sports from a young age. Her upbringing in a major sports city undoubtedly fueled her interest in the field. She attended Indiana University Bloomington, a school with a rich tradition in athletics and a renowned journalism program. Interestingly, her initial career ambition was to become a marine biologist. However, a professor recognized her natural talent for conversation and public speaking and encouraged her to explore broadcast journalism. Heeding this advice, Cornette found her true calling. As her interest in college football grew, she began conducting interviews on campus, and on a whim, sent her work to the Big Ten Network, which marked the beginning of her journey into sports media. She ultimately graduated from Indiana University with a dual degree in broadcast journalism and kinesiology. During her college years, she was proactive in gaining practical experience, securing internships with major media companies like MTV Networks and Showtime Networks. She also worked as a production assistant for CBS’s coverage of Chicago Bears games, gaining invaluable behind-the-scenes knowledge of sports broadcasting.

Shae Cornette’s Career

Shae Cornette’s career is a testament to her dedication and versatility in the sports media landscape. She began her professional journey in her hometown of Chicago, securing roles with the Big Ten Network and contributing to “The Chicago Huddle” on WLS-TV (ABC 7). Her early career also saw her work with Campus Insiders, which later became Stadium, and make appearances on WGN-TV’s “Morning Dose.” She gained significant local recognition during her two-year tenure at WFLD (Fox-32), where she served as a field reporter and weekend sports anchor. At Fox-32, she was a prominent on-site correspondent for Chicago Bears games and hosted her own weekly sports program, “Bears Unleashed,” becoming The first woman to host a show predominantly about the team on that station. Her expertise and engaging style also led her to co-host David Kaplan’s highly-rated talk show, “Kap & Co.,” on WMVP (ESPN 1000).

In 2020, Cornette’s career took a major leap forward when she joined ESPN on a national level. Initially, she filled in for her husband, Jordan Cornette, on his ESPN 1000 radio show after he moved to Connecticut for a job at ESPN’s headquarters. She soon followed him to the East Coast and began working for ESPN Radio nationally and as a host for SiriusXM’s NFL Radio channel. She and her husband made history as the first married couple to co-host a national ESPN Radio show, “GameDay.” Her role at the network continued to expand as she became a host for the relaunched ESPN+ show “SportsNation” in October 2021, alongside her husband. She quickly became a regular and trusted anchor for ESPN’s flagship news program, SportsCenter.

A crowning achievement in her career came in October 2025, when ESPN announced that Shae Cornette would be the new host of the highly popular debate show First Take, taking over from the long-tenured Molly Qerim. This prestigious role places her alongside renowned commentator Stephen A. Smith, solidifying her position as one of the leading personalities in sports television. Her appointment was the result of a competitive month-long tryout period where she stood out among other talented broadcasters. ESPN executive vice president David Roberts praised her meticulous preparation, natural ability to connect with personalities, and her skill in keeping debates engaging and on point, calling her an “ideal fit” for the franchise.

Shae Cornette Personal Life & Family

Shae Cornette’s personal life is deeply intertwined with her professional world. She is married to Jordan Cornette, a former Notre Dame basketball player who is also a prominent sports analyst and broadcaster for networks like ESPN and NBC Sports. The couple first met in 2014 while working together at Campus Insiders in Chicago, where they cultivated a strong friendship that eventually blossomed into a relationship. They were married on June 1, 2019. Their partnership is unique in the sports media industry, as they have not only built a life together but have also collaborated professionally, most notably co-hosting shows for ESPN Radio. Shae has publicly credited Jordan for his unwavering support and for helping her get opportunities at ESPN.

The couple has two children together. Their son, Joey, was born in April 2021, and their daughter, Saylor, was born in January 2023. Jordan also has a son, Carter, from a previous relationship, making them a blended family of five. The family resides in Fairfield, Connecticut, having relocated from Chicago for their careers at ESPN. Beyond her broadcasting career, Cornette is passionate about interior design, cycling, and spending time outdoors with her family and their dog. She is also deeply committed to philanthropy, having co-founded a fundraising event called “Fashion’s Fight Against Cancer,” which has raised significant funds for pediatric cancer research.

Awards and Achievements of Shae Cornette

• Co-hosted the highly-rated “Kap & Co.” on ESPN 1000 in Chicago.
• Became the first woman to host “Bears Unleashed,” a show primarily focused on the Chicago Bears, on Fox 32 Chicago.
• Made history with her husband, Jordan Cornette, as the first married couple to host a national ESPN Radio show (“GameDay”).
• Appointed as the permanent host of ESPN’s flagship debate show, First Take, in 2025.
• Co-founded “Fashion’s Fight Against Cancer,” a fundraising event that has raised over $200,000 for pediatric cancer research.

Shae Cornette Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Shae Cornette’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million. This wealth has been accumulated through her successful and progressively prominent career in sports broadcasting. Her income is primarily derived from her salary at ESPN, where her roles have included anchoring SportsCenter and hosting various studio shows on both television and radio. Her new, high-profile position as the host of First Take is expected to come with a substantial salary increase, likely placing her in the higher earnings bracket for on-air talent at the network. While her exact salary is not public, top hosts at ESPN can earn well into the six or even seven-figure range annually. In addition to her ESPN contract, Cornette has had other income sources throughout her career, including her work with SiriusXM NFL Radio, Fox 32 in Chicago, and her own show, “Bears Unleashed.”

Legacy and Influence

Shae Cornette’s legacy in sports media is still being written, but she has already established herself as a trailblazer and an influential voice. Her journey from local Chicago sports reporter to the host of one of ESPN’s most-watched morning programs serves as an inspiration for aspiring female journalists. She has broken barriers, such as becoming the first woman to host a dedicated Bears show on Fox 32 Chicago and co-hosting a national ESPN radio show with her husband. Her professionalism, versatility, and deep sports knowledge have earned her the respect of colleagues and viewers alike. ESPN executives have lauded her “meticulous” preparation and her unique ability to facilitate engaging and on-topic debates. Her public image is that of a confident, charismatic, and knowledgeable professional who can hold her own in the often male-dominated world of sports talk. Furthermore, her philanthropic work, particularly her co-founding of “Fashion’s Fight Against Cancer,” demonstrates a commitment to using her platform for positive social impact, adding another dimension to her legacy.

Interesting Facts about Shae Cornette

• She initially planned to become a marine biologist before a professor encouraged her to pursue broadcast journalism.
• During college, she gained experience by interning at both MTV Networks and Showtime Networks.
• She and her husband, Jordan Cornette, were the first married couple to host a national ESPN Radio show together.
• She is the co-founder of a charity event, “Fashion’s Fight Against Cancer,” which has raised over $200,000 for pediatric cancer research.
• Before her full-time role at ESPN, she was the primary television beat reporter for the NFL’s Chicago Bears on Fox 32.
• She graduated from Indiana University with a dual degree in broadcast journalism and kinesiology.

Controversies

There is no publicly available information regarding any significant controversies involving Shae Cornette. Her husband, Jordan Cornette, did make a social media post suggesting that her path to securing the First Take hosting job was not easy and that she had to overcome internal challenges, but these claims were not detailed publicly.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Information not disclosed
• Twitter – Information not disclosed
• YouTube – Not publicly available

Final Words about Shae Cornette

Shae Cornette stands as a prominent and rising star in the sports media industry. Her ascent to the host’s chair at First Take is not just a personal career milestone but also a reflection of her proven talent and hard-earned reputation within ESPN. Having built a robust career from the ground up—starting in the competitive Chicago market and moving to the national stage—Cornette has consistently demonstrated versatility, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for sports. Her ability to seamlessly transition from reporting to anchoring and hosting across radio and television highlights her dynamic skill set. As she embarks on this new chapter with First Take, she is poised to become an even more influential voice, shaping daily sports conversations for a massive audience. Her journey is a compelling narrative of perseverance and excellence, and her future in sports broadcasting appears exceptionally bright.