NBA radio play by play announcers provide live commentary and analysis of NBA games for radio broadcasts. They describe the action on the court in vivid detail, identify players, provide background and statistics, and add excitement and drama to the listening experience for fans. But how much do these important voices of the NBA make for their work? Let’s take a closer look at NBA radio announcer salaries.
NBA Radio Broadcast Rights
Before examining announcer pay, it helps to understand how NBA radio broadcast rights work. The NBA negotiates media rights contracts with national radio networks like ESPN Radio, allowing them to air games nationwide. Individual NBA teams also make deals with local radio stations to broadcast games in their metro area. The size of these radio rights contracts impacts how much money is available to pay radio announcers.
NBA national radio rights are currently held by ESPN Radio in an $800 million deal that runs through the 2025-2026 season. This contract rose significantly from previous deals, showing the continued popularity and value of NBA radio content.
Local radio deals vary widely based on the team and market size, ranging from around $1-3 million per year in smaller markets to over $10 million per year for major teams like the Lakers and Knicks. These lucrative deals provide the budget to hire top announcers.
Factors Impacting NBA Announcer Salaries
Several key factors influence how much NBA radio announcers are paid:
Market Size
Announcers working for teams in major metro areas like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago earn significantly more than those in smaller markets due to the increased radio rights fees commanded by big-city teams.
Experience Level
Veteran, established announcers with 10+ years calling NBA games typically make upwards of $100,000 per year. Less experienced announcers earlier in their careers may only make $30,000 – $50,000.
Full-Time vs Part-Time
Some announcers work for a team full-time, calling all 82 regular season games. Others may split duties or only work part of the schedule, impacting their total compensation.
Team Performance
Announcers for perennial playoff and championship contenders often make more money than those covering rebuilding, low-performing teams.
Negotiating Leverage
Announcers with strong reputations and following often negotiate higher salaries than lesser-known announcers. Former players also tend to command higher pay.
Estimated Salary Ranges
Given these factors, here are rough estimates of NBA radio announcer salaries:
| Experience Level | Market Size | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | Small market | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Entry-level | Major market | $60,000 – $80,000 |
| Mid-career | Small market | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Mid-career | Major market | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Veteran/Former player | Small market | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| Veteran/Former player | Major market | $200,000 – $500,000+ |
As the table illustrates, salaries can vary widely but generally six figures is the norm for experienced announcers in major markets. Veterans in top locations can make nearly half a million or more.
Top Highest-Paid NBA Radio Announcers
Using the above ranges as a guide, here are likely some of the top highest-earning NBA radio announcers currently:
John Sterling – New York Knicks
As the long-time radio voice of the Knicks since 2005, Sterling likely earns over $500,000 calling games in the major New York market. He signed a multi-year contract extension in 2015.
Bill King – Golden State Warriors
King has called Warriors’ games since 1962 with only a few breaks. The Bay Area market and the team’s recent dominance mean King probably makes well over $400,000 per year.
Mark Boyle – Indiana Pacers
Boyle has been the play-by-play man for Pacers’ radio since 1988. His over 30 years of experience for this small market team probably nets him around $200,000 – $300,000 annually.
Tim Saunders – Miami Heat
Saunders has been the Heat’s main radio voice for over 25 years dating back to the early 90s. He likely earns a salary in the range of $250,000 – $350,000.
Eric Collins – Atlanta Hawks
Collins has called Hawks games since 2005 after a stint with the Clippers. His tenure in the large Atlanta market probably nets him $150,000 – $250,000 per year.
Income Sources Beyond Base Salary
In addition to their base salaries from the team, NBA announcers have opportunities to supplement their income in several ways:
In-Game and Talk Show Appearances
They often participate in pregame, halftime and postgame radio segments for additional fees from the station. Announcers also frequently host sports talk radio shows for the team’s flagship station.
Outside/National Announcing Gigs
Some NBA announcers also call games for national radio networks like ESPN Radio or Westwood One which provide extra income.
Commercial Endorsements
Announcers with big reputations often do lucrative commercials and endorsements for local and national brands.
Public Appearance Fees
They earn fees for speaking engagements, fan events, and emceeing team functions.
When factoring in this additional income, top NBA radio announcers likely earn total compensation packages well over $1 million per year.
Job Outlook for NBA Radio Announcers
The job outlook for radio announcers is strong, as live sports continue to be coveted, DVR-proof content. The NBA just signed major new rights deals worth $75 billion over nine years, ensuring plenty of money will flow to teams, stations, and announcers.
However, the barrier to entry is high, with very few job openings each year. An aspiring NBA announcer needs to hone their skills and build a resume through college games, minor leagues, studio hosting duties, and sideline reporting before potentially landing an NBA radio role. It’s very competitive, but the financial and celebrity rewards for those who make it are significant.
Conclusion
NBA radio announcers earn strong six-figure salaries ranging from around $100,000 for entry-level small market announcers up to $500,000+ for veterans in major cities, especially former players. Exact amounts depend on market size, experience, workload, team performance and negotiating leverage. When including supplementary income sources, compensation packages for top announcers exceed $1 million. It’s a lucrative career for those talented and passionate enough to make it in the exclusive club of NBA radio broadcasters.