Craig Sager Net Worth

Craig Sager: A Look at His Net Worth, Career, and Impact

Introduction: The Colorful Life of Craig Sager

Craig Sager was more than just a sportscaster; he was an icon. Known for his vibrant personality, insightful commentary, and, most notably, his flamboyant attire, Sager brought a unique energy to the world of sports broadcasting. This article delves into the life and career of Craig Sager, exploring his net worth, early life, career highlights, signature style, accolades, personal life, and the legacy he left behind. His impact on sports media is undeniable, and his story continues to inspire.

Craig Sager’s Net Worth: A Financial Snapshot

At the time of his death on December 15, 2016, Craig Sager had a net worth of $9.5 million. His annual salary was reported to be $1 million. This substantial wealth was a direct result of his successful career as a sportscaster, primarily with TNT and TBS, where he worked from 1981 until his passing. Sager’s financial success reflects his popularity and the value he brought to the networks he worked for. His ability to connect with audiences, his in-depth knowledge of sports, and his captivating personality contributed significantly to his financial achievements.

Early Life and Education: Shaping the Sportscaster

Craig Graham Sager was born on June 29, 1951, in Batavia, Illinois. Growing up, he attended Batavia High School, where he formed friendships with future basketball stars Ken Anderson and Dan Issel. Even at a young age, Sager displayed a penchant for writing and communication. In 1966, he gained recognition for an essay titled “How and Why I Should Show Respect to the American Flag,” which was published in the Congressional Record. This early achievement hinted at his future career in communication and public engagement.

Sager pursued higher education at Northwestern University, graduating in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in Speech. While not a standout athlete, he embraced the university spirit, notably as the mascot, Willie the Wildcat. This experience gave him valuable experience in connecting with audiences and embracing performance, skills he would later hone as a sports entertainer. His ability to captivate crowds, even in a non-athletic role, foreshadowed his successful career in sports broadcasting.

A Storied Career: From Local News to NBA Sidelines

Craig Sager’s broadcasting career began in 1972 at WXLT in Sarasota, Florida. From these humble beginnings, he rapidly ascended the ranks, showcasing his talent and dedication. In 1974, he worked as a radio news director. A pivotal moment came when he was on-site in Atlanta to cover Hank Aaron’s record-breaking 715th home run, providing him with an early taste of the significance of sports history. Sager joined CNN in 1981 and quickly became a key figure, handling the network’s first live remote report from the 1980 baseball playoffs. He co-anchored “CNN Sports Tonight” and hosted “College Football Scoreboard” from 1982 to 1985 on CNN’s sister network, TBS.

In 1987, Sager moved to TBS full-time, hosting “The Coors Sports Page,” a 30-minute Sunday night program, and providing halftime reports for Atlanta Hawks games. He proved his versatility by covering various events, including the Pan American Games and the 1990 FIFA World Cup. During the 1992 Winter Olympics, he called Nordic skiing and curling. He also covered golf and tennis telecasts. From 1990 to 1997, he worked on TNT telecasts of the National Football League.

The 1990s marked a defining period in Sager’s career when he joined Turner Sports and became primarily known as a sideline reporter for “NBA on TNT.” This role allowed him to showcase his talents and become famous for his vibrant personality and his iconic, eye-catching clothing choices. He became a fixture on the sidelines, interviewing players and coaches, offering insightful commentary, and entertaining viewers with his unique approach. He also worked with NBC Sports as a field reporter for their coverage of the National League Championship Series and World Series. In 2000, he became the men’s and women’s basketball reporter for the Olympics.

The Iconic Style: Sager’s Fashion Legacy

One of Craig Sager’s most recognizable traits was his distinctive fashion sense. He was celebrated for his bold and colorful outfits, often including velvet suits, vibrant ties, and Nehru jackets. His fashion choices were a stark contrast to the typically conservative attire of sports broadcasting, making him a standout personality. His wardrobe was a reflection of his personality—energetic, lively, and unafraid to be different.

Sager’s style was more than just clothing; it was a statement. He used fashion to express his individuality and inject fun into the sports world. His outfits became a topic of discussion and a source of entertainment, with fans eagerly anticipating what he would wear next. His influence on fashion extends beyond sports, inspiring many to embrace their unique style. His bold fashion choices broke the mold and contributed significantly to his enduring popularity.

Awards and Accolades: Recognizing a Legend

Craig Sager’s contributions to sports broadcasting were widely recognized through numerous awards and accolades. He won the CableAce award in 1985 for his work on “CNN Sports Tonight.” In 2012, he received his first Sports Emmy Award nomination for his role as a sideline reporter on “NBA on TNT.”

In a poignant moment near the end of his life, Time Warner’s Turner Sports allowed Sager to cover his first NBA Finals for ESPN, working alongside Doris Burke. This assignment was a testament to his popularity and respect within the industry. On July 13, 2016, he was awarded the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the ESPY Awards for his battle with cancer. Just two days before his death, he was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition of his lifetime achievements. Posthumously, Sager was awarded his first Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality, Sports Reporter, in 2017 by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. At the 2017 NBA All-Star Game, he was honored with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Curt Gowdy Media Award.

Personal Life: Family and Relationships

Craig Sager’s personal life revolved around his family. He was married twice and had five children. With his first wife, Lisa Gabel, he had three children: Kacy, Craig II, and Krista. He later married Stacy, and they had two children: Ryan and Riley. His children played an important role in his life, often supporting him during his career and illness.

Craig II followed in his father’s footsteps, briefly filling in as a sideline reporter during Craig’s absence due to his illness. This intergenerational connection highlighted the close bond within the Sager family and underscored Craig’s influence on his children. His family was a significant source of strength and support throughout his life and particularly during his battle with cancer.

Illness and Death: A Battle Fought with Courage

In April 2014, Craig Sager was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, forcing him to miss the entire 2014 NBA playoffs. During his illness, the sports world rallied around him, offering support and well wishes. Coaches across the NBA sent “get well” messages between quarters during basketball coverage. His son, Craig II, took over sideline interviews during his absence, delivering a special message from Gregg Popovich, the San Antonio Spurs coach, to his father.

The “NBA on TNT” crew paid tribute to Sager by wearing suits similar to his distinctive outfits. This act of solidarity demonstrated the profound impact Sager had on his colleagues and the sports community. Craig Sager died on December 15, 2016, at the age of 65. His death was mourned by fans, colleagues, and the sports world as a whole. His final broadcast, covered with ESPN during the 2016 NBA Finals, was a touching moment for fans, showcasing Sager’s resilience.

His death was memorialized that evening during the game broadcast between the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls. Players from each team wore tribute T-shirts during warmups designed to look like Sager’s signature suits. Gregg Popovich gave a heartfelt statement before the game, praising Sager for his expertise and courage. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to inspire.

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The Enduring Legacy of Craig Sager

Craig Sager’s legacy extends beyond his financial achievements and the awards he received. He is remembered for his passion for sports, his dedication to his craft, and his unique ability to connect with people. His fashion choices made him a style icon, influencing both sports and popular culture. He brought a sense of joy and excitement to every broadcast. His battle with cancer demonstrated his courage and resilience, inspiring many. He remains an important figure in sports broadcasting and a beloved figure to fans worldwide. His impact on the sports world, his vibrant personality, and his commitment to his work ensure that his memory will endure.