Michael Todd Tirico (born December 13, 1966) is an American sportscaster. He is the lead play-by-play announcer for NBC Sunday Night Football since 2022, replacing Al Michaels, and will be the lead announcer for NBC’s NBA coverage in 2025. Tirico hosts NBC’s Olympics primetime coverage and the Triple Crown races.
Previously, he was lead announcer for PGA Tour on ABC (1997–2006) and a play-by-play announcer on ESPN’s Monday Night Football (2006–2015). After 25 years at ESPN, he joined NBC Sports in 2016, hosting golf, Indianapolis 500, Notre Dame Football, Football Night in America, and Stanley Cup Final coverage.
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Mike Tirico Net Worth
Mike Tirico has a net worth of $14 million and earns an annual salary of $6 million. He began his sports broadcasting career at WAER radio in Syracuse, where he hosted his first show, with fellow alum Bob Costas as his first guest.
On September 20, 2007, Tirico started The Mike Tirico Show on ESPN Radio alongside Scott Van Pelt, replacing Dan Patrick. In May 2009, Tirico left the show to focus on television, and it was renamed The Scott Van Pelt Show with new co-host Ryen Russillo.
Early life
Michael Tirico was born in New York City to an Italian American mother and an African American father. He grew up in the borough of Queens and graduated from Bayside High School. In 1988, Tirico graduated from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
While at Syracuse, he was the first recipient of the prestigious Robert Costas scholarship, highlighting his early promise in the field of sports broadcasting.
Career
Michael Tirico joined ESPN in 1991 as a SportsCenter anchor after four years as sports director at WTVH in Syracuse, New York. He was the first host on ESPNews and handled play-by-play for Thursday night college football (1997–2005), college basketball (1997–2002), NBA (2002–2016), and golf (1997–2015).
Tirico also hosted Monday Night Countdown and ABC’s NBA studio shows, and covered the 2009 U.S. Open, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, and UEFA Euro 2016. In 1992, he was suspended for three months due to misconduct allegations.
Personal life
Michael Tirico and his wife Debbie, a Michigan native, have two children and have lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan, since 1999. Tirico’s parents, Donald and Maria, separated when he was about four. He has lost contact with his father’s side, which is African American, confirmed in 2022, while his mother’s side is of Italian ancestry.
In May 2025, Tirico left NBC Sports’ Kentucky Derby coverage early due to a serious allergic food reaction caused by a lifelong nut allergy.
Who replaced Al Michaels?
Mike Tirico replaced Al Michaels as the play-by-play announcer for NBC’s Sunday Night Football in 2022. This transition marked a significant milestone in Tirico’s career, positioning him as the voice of one of the most popular broadcasts in American sports.
Conclusion
Mike Tirico’s journey from a young sportscaster to one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting is a narrative of talent, perseverance, and passion for sports. With a net worth of $14 million, Tirico has not only achieved financial success but has also left an indelible mark on the world of sports broadcasting. As he continues to narrate the victories and defeats that define athletic competition, his legacy as a broadcasting icon is assured.
FAQs about Mike Tirico
- What sports does Mike Tirico cover?
- Mike Tirico has covered a wide range of sports, including the NFL, college football, golf, the NBA, the Olympics, and more.
- When did Mike Tirico join NBC Sports?
- Mike Tirico joined NBC Sports in July 2016, after a long tenure at ESPN.
- Has Mike Tirico won any awards for his broadcasting work?
- While specific awards are not listed, Tirico is widely recognized and respected within the industry for his contributions to sports broadcasting.
- What major events has Mike Tirico hosted?
- Tirico has hosted several major events, including the Olympics, the Ryder Cup, the FIFA World Cup, and the Indianapolis 500, among others.
- Does Mike Tirico have any affiliations with sports teams?
- While Tirico is not affiliated with specific sports teams, his broad coverage has allowed him to connect with diverse teams and athletes across various sports disciplines.
