Ron MacLean Net Worth

What is Ron MacLean's Net Worth and Salary?

Ron MacLean is a Canadian sportscaster, television host, author, and former hockey referee who has a net worth of $5 million.

Ronald Joseph Corbett MacLean is best known as the longtime host of "Hockey Night in Canada," one of the most important and beloved sports broadcasts in Canadian television history. For decades, MacLean has been one of the defining voices of Canadian hockey, known for his quick wit, deep knowledge of the sport, calm on-air presence, and ability to connect the NHL to broader Canadian culture.

MacLean became nationally famous through his long partnership with Don Cherry on "Coach's Corner," the opinionated and often controversial intermission segment that became a Saturday night institution. While Cherry was loud, combative, and theatrical, MacLean served as the steady counterweight: informed, clever, understated, and capable of steering the conversation. After Cherry's departure in 2019, MacLean continued as a central figure on "Hockey Night in Canada" and Sportsnet's national NHL coverage.

Early Life

Ron MacLean was born on April 12, 1960, in Zweibrücken, West Germany, where his father was stationed with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was raised primarily in Canada, including in Alberta, and developed an early love of hockey, broadcasting, and performance.

Before he became one of the most recognizable faces in Canadian sports television, MacLean worked in local broadcasting. He began his career in radio and television in Alberta, including at CKRD in Red Deer. Those early jobs gave him the foundation that would later define his national career: preparation, timing, interviewing, and an ability to speak comfortably to everyday hockey fans.

"Hockey Night in Canada"

MacLean's life changed in 1986 when he became the host of "Hockey Night in Canada." He was only in his mid-20s at the time, but he quickly grew into one of the most trusted broadcasters in the country.

"Hockey Night in Canada" was not just another sports show. For generations of Canadian viewers, it was a national ritual. MacLean's role required more than reading highlights and introducing games. He had to handle live television, panel discussions, interviews, emotional tributes, playoff pressure, and the enormous cultural weight that comes with hockey in Canada.

Over time, MacLean became synonymous with the broadcast. He hosted regular-season games, Stanley Cup Playoff coverage, special events, and national hockey celebrations. His style blended humor, literary references, small-town storytelling, and deep respect for the sport's history.

"Coach's Corner" and Don Cherry

MacLean's most famous on-air partnership was with Don Cherry. Their "Coach's Corner" segment became one of the most recognizable pieces of sports television in Canada. Cherry delivered bold opinions, praised toughness, criticized players and coaches, and turned his suits, catchphrases, and rants into weekly television theater. MacLean played the crucial role of moderator, straight man, and occasional challenger.

The partnership lasted for more than three decades. It made both men famous, but it also placed MacLean in a difficult position as Cherry's comments became increasingly controversial. In 2019, Cherry was dismissed after comments about immigrants and Remembrance Day poppies caused a national backlash. "Coach's Corner" ended, but MacLean remained part of the broadcast.

The end of the Cherry era complicated MacLean's public image with some longtime viewers, but it also demonstrated his longevity. He outlasted one of Canadian television's most famous partnerships and continued as a major NHL broadcaster.

Getty Images

Rogers, Sportsnet, and Later Career

MacLean's career continued after Rogers acquired national NHL broadcast rights in Canada. He hosted "Rogers Hometown Hockey," a traveling hockey celebration that visited communities across Canada and highlighted the sport's local roots. The program suited MacLean's strengths, especially his ability to tell personal stories and connect hockey to small-town Canadian life.

He has also hosted Olympic coverage, "Battle of the Blades," "Hockey Day in Canada," Stanley Cup Playoff coverage, and major Sportsnet hockey programming. His broadcasting career has earned him multiple Gemini Awards and made him one of the most decorated sports hosts in Canada.

Refereeing

MacLean is also a former hockey referee, which has always informed his broadcasting. He became a Level 5 referee with Hockey Canada and officiated junior, senior, university, and minor professional hockey. In 2006, he even refereed an NHL preseason game between the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins.

That officiating background gave MacLean a different perspective from many broadcasters. He understood not only the players and coaches, but also the pressure and complexity of the rules, calls, and split-second decisions that shape games.

Books and Other Work

MacLean has also written books, including "Cornered: Hijinks, Highlights, Late Nights and Insights," co-written with Kirstie McLellan Day. The book offered behind-the-scenes stories from his broadcasting career, his relationship with Don Cherry, and his life around hockey.

He has also appeared as a speaker and event host, drawing on his decades of experience in sports, live television, and Canadian culture.

Personal Life

Ron MacLean has been married to his wife, Cari, since 1984. He has generally kept his private life out of the spotlight, especially compared with the intense public scrutiny that has sometimes surrounded his broadcasting career.

Who's Richer?

Ron
MacLean

Compare!

Don
Cherry