Stuart Scott Net Worth

What was Stuart Scott's Net Worth and Salary?

Stuart Scott was an American sportscaster who had a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death in 2015. Stuart Scott was best known for his long run on ESPN's "SportsCenter," where his unique style, memorable catchphrases, and ability to blend sports coverage with Black cultural references made him one of the most recognizable broadcasters in the country.

Over the course of his career, he covered the NBA, NFL, and a wide range of major sporting events, earning a reputation as a trailblazer who reshaped the tone and personality of modern sports media. Although not the first African-American sportscaster, Scott became a cultural pioneer by bringing an authentic voice to television at a time when few broadcasters did so. By the early 2000s, he was one of ESPN and ABC's most influential figures, known for highly produced interviews, marquee assignments, and a charismatic on-screen presence.

Scott's life and career were cut short by cancer. First diagnosed in 2007 after doctors discovered the disease in his appendix, he battled multiple recurrences from 2011 to 2013. He received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance in 2014 for his openness and strength during his cancer fight, but he passed away in January 2015 at the age of 49.

Salary

At the peak of his ESPN career, Scott earned an annual salary of $4 million.

Early Life

Stuart Orlando Scott was born on July 19, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois. When he was seven, his family relocated to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he was raised with his three siblings. He excelled academically and athletically in high school, serving as captain of the football team, competing in track, and participating in student government. Scott went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in speech communication and quickly immersed himself in broadcasting through the student radio station. He also played wide receiver and defensive back on the Tar Heels football team before graduating in 1987.

Career

After college, Scott began his broadcasting career at an ABC affiliate in Florence, South Carolina, working as a news reporter and weekend sports anchor. It was during this period that he began using signature lines such as "as cool as the other side of the pillow." In 1988, he joined an NBC affiliate in Raleigh, North Carolina, and by 1990, he had moved to Orlando, Florida, to work as a sports reporter and anchor. While in Orlando, he met ESPN producer Gus Ramsey, whose interest in Scott's style helped lay the groundwork for his future at the network.

Scott joined ESPN in 1993, starting on ESPN2 and appearing on programs like "SportsSmash" and "SportsNight." His energy, humor, and conversational delivery made him a natural fit for "SportsCenter," and he soon became one of the network's most visible personalities. In 2002, he became the studio host for "NBA on ESPN," later transitioning into the lead host role. He also worked with ABC as part of the network's NBA coverage and became known for high-profile interviews, including multiple one-on-one sit-downs with Michael Jordan.

During the 1990s and 2000s, Scott expanded his workload to include hosting duties for the NBA Finals, on-site coverage for "Monday Night Football," and appearances on "NFL Primetime," "Sunday NFL Countdown," and other football-themed programming. His résumé also included hosting ESPN's coverage of the 1995 MLB playoffs, writing the recurring "Holla" column for "ESPN The Magazine," and interviewing major public figures such as Tiger Woods and President Bill Clinton. Beyond traditional sports coverage, he hosted several ESPN reality series, including "Stump the Schwab," "Teammates," and "Dream Job," and even appeared as a guest host for a special episode of "America's Funniest Home Videos" titled "AFV: Sports Edition."

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Relationships

Scott married Kimberly Scott in 1997, and the couple had two daughters before divorcing in 2007. He later entered a long-term relationship with Kristen Spodobalski, who remained by his side throughout his health battles.

Real Estate

In October 1998, Stuart and Kimberly paid $550,000 for a home in Unionville, Connecticut.

Health Issues

Scott's first major health issue occurred in 2002 when a football struck him in the face during an ESPN segment, damaging his cornea and leading to permanent ptosis in one eyelid. In 2007, he experienced severe abdominal pain, and doctors discovered cancer after removing his appendix. He underwent surgery to remove part of his colon and lymph nodes, followed by chemotherapy. Although the disease temporarily went into remission, it returned in 2011 and again in 2013, prompting additional surgeries, radiation treatment, and a switch to oral chemotherapy in 2014. His determination and positivity during this time became widely admired, culminating in his emotional Jimmy V Award speech at the 2014 ESPYS.

Death

Stuart Scott passed away on January 4, 2015, after a seven-year battle with appendix cancer. He was 49 years old. His legacy as a trailblazing broadcaster and cultural innovator continues to be celebrated throughout the sports world.

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