Sage Steele has built herself an incredibly impressive career as a sports journalist and television anchor. The journalist is best known for her 16-year tenure at ESPN. Born in the Panama Canal Zone to a military family, her multicultural upbringing informed her passion and curiosity for life. She later went on to earn a degree in Sports Communications from Indiana University. Her education became the foundation for her career.

Steele rose to prominence through her candid, compelling storytelling and versatility as an anchor. She served as the face of “SportsCenter” and “NBA Countdown.” Steele has covered major events, like the Super Bowl and NBA Finals. In fact, she covered every NBA Finals from 2012 to 2020. Here’s a glimpse into her impressive career and the net worth that accompanies it.

How Did Sage Steele Become Famous?

Similar to many journalists, Steele gained her love for the industry at home. Her father, Gary Steele, was the first Black varsity football player at United States Military Academy during the mid-1960s. This of course made sports Steele’s bread and butter.

Her career as a sports journalist began in local sports journalism at outlets, like WSBT-TV and WISH-TV. She eventually moved on to Fox Sports Florida and Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. In 2007, ESPN brought her aboard as a “SportsCenter” anchor. Over the years, she went on to also host “NBA Countdown,” “SportsNation,” and “Miss America” broadcasts. Her diverse career solidified her reputation as a trusted and engaging on-camera presence in sports.

Exactly 20 years later after graduating from her university, her alma mater invited her back. This time she was the commencement speaker at the 2015 undergraduate commencement. Steele considers this moment one of the greatest honors of her career.

ESPN Career

ESPN became a career hub for Steele, where she served as the “SportsCenter” anchor and “SuperStreak” host from 2007 to 2023. Steele was also host of “NBA Countdown.” She made regular appearances on “First Take,” “Mike & Mike in the Morning,” and the Scripps National Spelling Bee. She was also a go-to host for high-profile sports events, like the Super Bowl, NBA Finals and Masters Tournament.

However, things took a turn October 2021. Steele was suspended with pay by ESPN for remarks she made on Jay Cutler’s podcast. On the podcast, she talked about about COVID-19 vaccine mandates, women who dress in a way she feels is provocative, and Barack Obama calling himself Black. In conjunction with her suspension, Steele issued an apology.

“I know my recent comments created controversy for the company, and I apologize,” she wrote. “We are in the midst of an extremely challenging time that impacts all of us, and it’s more critical than ever that we communicate constructively and thoughtfully.”

Business Endeavors

Beyond the anchor desk, Steele has diversified her career and opened multiple streams of income for herself. She hosts “The Sage Steele Show” on Bill Maher’s network, with a focus on open dialogue and freedom of expression. On the creative side, she’s done voiceover work on Adam Carolla’s animated series “Mr. Birchum.” 

With a deep sense of purpose and passion, Steele was also a board member for the Pat Tillman Foundation and the V Foundation for Cancer Research. She does regular speaking engagements at universities and conferences.

What Is Sage Steele’s Net Worth?

Her current net worth is approximately $1.5 million, which is an impressive number from the journalistic realm. This is derived from her peak ESPN/ABC salary, which was between $200,000 to $3 million annually. This depends on the role and seniority.

She also earns residuals, is paid appearance fees, earns growing revenue from her podcast and media projects. She also gets compensation from speaking gigs and brand collaborations. Beyond that, a lot of money comes from the settlement following her ESPN/Disney lawsuit.

Why Did ESPN Remove Sage Steele?

Steele was removed from ESPN broadcasts in 2021 after she made “controversial remarks” about topics, including the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, former President Obama’s racial identity, and female sports reporters. Although she later issued an apology, she accused ESPN of retaliating against her.

Why Did Sage Steele Sue Disney?

Steele sued ESPN/Disney in April 2022, alleging retaliation after being suspended in October 2021. She argues that these comments were made on an off-air podcast, yet ESPN reduced her roles and penalized her. The lawsuit was settled in August 2023, and she left the company shortly afterward. She claims that the settlement came with the freedom to “exercise her First Amendment rights more freely.”

What Happened to Sage Steele’s Teeth?

In May 2024, Steele was tragically struck in the face by a 281‑yard tee shot at the PGA Championship. It resulted in her losing eight teeth and undergoing three root canals. Though she was initially shaken, she made a remarkable return to air and social media. She referenced the traumatic incident with humor and resilience.

Who Is Sage Steele’s Partner?

Sage Steele is currently engaged to Dave Barbuto, who works as the CEO of uBreakiFix, a tech-repair retail company. The two happily announced their engagement in April 2025. Steele has been over the moon about the unexpected romance, expressing that “when you know, you know.” Barbuto, a former Army infantry officer and Creighton University graduate, joined uBreakiFix in April 2021 and oversees its expansive North American operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Sage Steele’s Ex-Husband? Sage Steele married Jonathan Bailey in 1999 before separating in 2019. Together, they share three children, two daughters and one son. 

Does Sage Steele Have a White Mother? Yes, Sage Steele’s mother is of Irish-Italian descent. This was controversially referenced when Steele claimed Barack Obama shouldn’t refer to himself as Black because he, like Steele, has a white mother.