Jim Rome
- Net worth $50 million
- Birthday October 14, 1964
- Status -
- Country United States
- Source(-s) of wealth Radio Talk Show Host, Television Host
How much is Jim Rome Worth? Jim Rome Net Worth in 2026
Jim Rome’s net worth is estimated at $50 million as of October 2026. Jim Rome is an American sports talk host whose national radio programme has aired since 1990 and has been syndicated nationwide since 1996. The biggest driver of the wealth is that show, which has run for more than three decades and carried a long-term network deal, supported by television hosting stints and a successful racehorse stake.
| Net worth | $50 million (our estimate) |
|---|---|
| Estimated annual income | About $5 million a year, our estimate (syndicated radio contract, digital, TV, horse racing) |
| Born | October 14, 1964, Los Angeles, California (age 62) |
| Country | United States |
| Known for | The Jim Rome Show, one of America’s longest-running syndicated sports talk programmes |
| Main income sources | Syndicated radio contract, digital and simulcast rights, television hosting, horse racing |
How Jim Rome built it
- Held one radio slot for decades. His national show has aired since 1990 and been syndicated nationwide since 1996.
- Extended into television. He hosted on ESPN2, ESPN and CBS Sports Network.
- Backed a racehorse early. He bought an interest in the filly Mizdirection for $50,000 in 2010, and she sold for $2.7 million in 2014.
Learn the wealth mindset behind Jim Rome’s career in the Alux app.
Get the Alux appHow much is Jim Rome worth in 2026?
We estimate Jim Rome’s net worth at about $50 million. It is our own estimate. His contracts are private, and published guesses vary, so we present a range of $30 million to $70 million and sit in the middle.
The case rests on tenure. A national syndicated host who has held a three-hour weekday slot since the 1990s earns top-tier radio pay for years, and Rome added television work on ESPN2, ESPN and CBS Sports Network. A trade outlet reported that he signed a long-term, multi-year deal with CBS Radio, with terms undisclosed (reports date it to 2016 or 2017).
One verifiable side income is horse racing. He bought an interest in the filly Mizdirection for $50,000 in 2010, and she was sold for $2.7 million in 2014. We count only his reported stake, not the full sale price, as a small boost on top of radio.
Jim Rome in 2026: what they have been working on
- The programme airs 3 to 6 p.m. Eastern, Monday to Friday, syndicated by Westwood One.
- On January 6, 2025 the show changed time slots with The Rich Eisen Show, shifting to a noon Pacific start, per a radio listing page.
- In October 2025 it was announced that the show would return to the Infinity Sports Network in December 2025, as Westwood One took over day-to-day operation and rebranded it Westwood One Sports (single source).
- The simulcast on CBS Sports Network ended on February 9, 2024, per the same listing.
- The show now also appears on YouTube and on streaming channels alongside the radio feed.
How Jim Rome makes money
- Syndicated radio: The core income. A long-term network contract with CBS Radio, terms undisclosed.
- Television: Past hosting roles including Jim Rome Is Burning on ESPN (2003 to 2012) and Rome on CBS Sports Network (2012 to 2015).
- Digital and streaming: YouTube and streaming simulcasts of the show.
- Horse racing: A reported small stake in the champion filly Mizdirection, bought for $50,000 in 2010.
- Appearances and endorsements: Spots and events tied to the show brand.
What Jim Rome teaches (and what to take from it)
Rome’s three decades on air are a case in doing one thing at a high level for a long time.
Own a daily slot
The show’s value comes from being on at the same time every day. Pick a block of time in your week and treat it as non-negotiable for your main project.
Build a voice, not a sound bite
His show was built on a distinct style and a loyal audience. Write down three sentences describing what you stand for and say them out loud.
Move platforms without losing the audience
From radio to cable, streaming and YouTube, the show followed the listeners. Check where your own audience spends time and meet them there.
Bet small on the side
His racing stake was a small, defined bet. Set a limit for a side project this month and stick to it.
Career timeline
- 1987: Starts as a sports talk host at KTMS in Santa Barbara.
- 1990: The Jim Rome Show begins at XTRA Sports 690 in San Diego.
- 1993 to 1998: Hosts Talk2 on ESPN2.
- 1996: The radio show goes national in syndication.
- 2003 to 2012: Hosts Jim Rome Is Burning on ESPN.
- 2010: Buys an interest in Mizdirection for $50,000.
- April 2012: Starts Rome on CBS Sports Network, which ends in March 2015.
- 2014: Mizdirection is sold for $2.7 million.
- 2016 or 2017: Signs a long-term multi-year deal with CBS Radio, terms undisclosed.
- February 2024: The CBS Sports Network simulcast ends.
- 2025: Show moves time slots in January and returns to Infinity Sports Network in December.
Early life and background
James Phillip Rome was born on October 14, 1964 in Los Angeles, California. He worked at the campus station KCSB-FM at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
He started as a traffic reporter at KTMS in Santa Barbara and became a sports talk host there in 1987, before moving to San Diego in late 1990.
Jim Rome net worth FAQ
What is Jim Rome’s net worth?
We estimate Jim Rome’s net worth at about $50 million as of October 2026, within a range of $30 million to $70 million. He has not disclosed a figure.
How does Jim Rome make money?
Mainly from his syndicated radio show, with additional income from television hosting, digital rights and horse racing.
How much did Jim Rome make from his CBS radio deal?
The terms of his multi-year CBS deal were not disclosed. We treat it as a mid-seven-figure annual contract in our model, which is an assumption.
How old is Jim Rome?
He was born on October 14, 1964, so he is 62 in October 2026.
What is Jim Rome best known for?
The Jim Rome Show, a national sports talk programme on air since 1990, and his ESPN and CBS television shows.
How do you estimate Jim Rome’s net worth?
We use his time on air, typical host contracts, reported deals and the horse sale, then adjust for costs and tax. It is an estimate, not an audited number.
Related profiles
- Howard Stern net worth
- Joe Rogan net worth
- Larry King net worth
- Ryan Seacrest net worth
- Jim Cramer net worth
How we estimate net worth
Our estimates are based on public reporting, company valuations, and deal and earnings figures all compiled in an internal valuation model. They are approximate, and figures change over time as new information emerges.
Last updated: October 2026.