Sarah Spain is a renowned American sports reporter, columnist, radio host, and podcast host. She is widely recognized for her wit, sharp analysis, and dedication to promoting gender equality in sports.
Sarah has amassed so much wealth and fame over the years, with an estimated net worth of $2 million.
This article will explore her net worth, career, and more.
Profile Summary
| Name | Sarah Spain |
| Date Of Birth | 18th of August, 1980 |
| Zodiac sign | Leo |
| Place of Birth | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Nationality | American |
| Husband | Brad Zibung (m. 2016) |
| Profession | Sports reporter, radio host, columnist, podcast host |
| Current Employer | ESPN |
| Notable Roles | Host of “That’s What She Said”, Columnist for espnW, Contributor to “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz” |
| Career Highlights | Emmy Award winner, Peabody Award winner, “100 Most Powerful Women in Sports” by Forbes |
| Education | Cornell University (English major) |
| Early Career | South Bend Tribune, Fox Sports Net, WGN Radio, Big Ten Network |
| ESPN Journey | Started as update anchor, rose to prominence through radio shows and “That’s What She Said” |
| Other Ventures | Board member of Women’s Sports Foundation, Minority owner of Chicago Red Stars |
| Awards & Recognition | Emmy Award (2014), Peabody Award (2018), Forbes list (2020) |
| Impact & Legacy | Trailblazer for women in sports media, advocate for gender equality |
| Net Worth | $2 Million |
Net Worth
Sarah Spain’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. Her primary source of income is her work as a sports reporter and host for ESPN. She has also appeared on other networks, such as Fox Sports Net and the Big Ten Network.
In addition to her on-air work, Spain has written for several publications, including the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times.
Spain is a graduate of Cornell University, where she majored in English. She began her career as a reporter for the South Bend Tribune before joining ESPN in 2010. She has become one of the network’s most popular personalities, known for her sharp wit and insightful commentary.
Spain also advocates for women’s rights and gender equality in sports. She is a board member of the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Women’s Sports Leadership Council. She is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
Career
Sarah Spain set her sights on acting while studying English at Cornell University. However, her lifelong athletic background playing field hockey, basketball, and track sparked a passion for sports, which pivoted to sports journalism. Spain started at the South Bend Tribune, gaining local sports writing experience.
Before joining ESPN in 2010, Spain built diverse media skills as an associate producer at Fox Sports Net, an on-air radio host at WGN Radio and ChicagoNow.com, and a sideline reporter for the Big Ten Network. She also took freelance writing gigs at outlets like the Chicago Tribune to broaden her portfolio.
At ESPN, Spain steadily rose by establishing herself as an update anchor, ESPNW columnist, and radio show contributor from 2010–2015. She then co-hosted several popular ESPN radio programs over the next four years. Spain also launched her acclaimed “That is What She Said” podcast in 2016, earning honors like a Peabody Award. She continues to appear on SportsCenter, write for ESPNW, and host her podcast, showcasing exceptional versatility.
In January 2015, ESPN launched “Spain & Prim” with hosts Spain and Prim Siripipat. The following year, Spain co-launched “The Trifecta” on ESPN Radio, alongside her own podcast “That’s What She Said,” and made appearances on various ESPN TV shows. By February 2016, she debuted on “Around the Horn.” A multi-year deal with ESPN in September 2016 led to the launch of “Izzy & Spain” with Israel Gutierrez. In 2017, Spain hosted “Fantasy Football Island” with Mike Golic Jr. The next year, “Spain & Fitz” was launched with Jason Fitz, which was later renamed “Spain & Company” in 2019, before returning to “Spain & Fitz” in 2020 with Fitz as co-host.
On March 1, 2021, Spain joined the Chicago Red Stars’ ownership group, a National Women’s Soccer League team, but was bought out in September 2023 following the team’s acquisition by Laura Ricketts’ investor group.
Beyond broadcasting, Spain actively advocates for women in sports by serving on boards like the Women’s Sports Foundation. She also became a minority owner of the Chicago Red Stars professional women’s soccer team. For her impact, she has received an Emmy and been named one of Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women in Sports.
As a trailblazer, Sarah Spain has inspired women in sports media by challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusion through wit and analysis. Her multifaceted career and advocacy cement her legacy as a transformative voice.
Awards & Nominations
Sarah Spain, a renowned sports reporter and media personality, has received multiple nominations for her outstanding work. Some of her notable nominations include:
In 2015, she was nominated for a Gracie Award for Outstanding Online Host for her work on Spain & Prim, a radio show she co-hosted with Prim Siripipat on ESPN Radio.
In 2016, she was nominated for a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality—Studio Analyst for her appearances on Around the Horn, a daily sports debate show on ESPN2.
In 2016, a video titled “More Than Mean,” featuring Sarah Spain and Julie DiCaprio, won a 2016 Peabody award in the public service category.
In 2017, she received a Webby Award nomination for Best Sports Podcast for her podcast That is What She Said, where she interviews athletes, celebrities, and media personalities.
In 2018, she was nominated for a Peabody Award for contributing to the ESPN 30 for 30 podcast “Bikram.”. The podcast team exposed the sexual abuse and harassment allegations against Bikram Choudhury, the founder of Bikram Yoga. Sarah Spain and the rest of the team won the award.
In 2019, she was nominated for a Shorty Award for Best in Sports for her social media presence and engagement with sports fans.
Sarah is happily married to Brad Zibung, an American entrepreneur, journalist, and real estate agent.