AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 06: Jim Nantz, CBS Sportscaster, is seen on set during the first round of the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 6, 2017 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)Alongside his partner Tony Romo, CBS play-by-play commentator Jim Nantz makes up one-half of the best NFL commentary duos on television. But the recent success of his partner could be a factor in Nantz leaving CBS altogether.
Nantz is currently negotiating a new contract with CBS Sports, but things aren’t going to great according to AwfulAnnouncing. Back in November, Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reported that Nantz was seeking more money than Tony Romo to stay with the company – over $17.5 million per year.
Another wrinkle is that when Nantz’s contract expires this summer, ESPN will be ready to pounce. According to Front Office Sports, ESPN is eyeing Nantz to be their face of NFL and Masters golf coverage.
Nantz has a pretty full plate before his contract finishes up though. On top of Super Bowl LV, he’s scheduled to call the Final Four and the Masters for CBS in April.
As Jim Nantz negotiates a new deal with CBS, ESPN is reportedly interested. But does any place else but CBS make sense for the broadcaster? https://t.co/oSgnP1QpbO pic.twitter.com/RJ46YdFWbT
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 6, 2021
Jim Nantz is one of the most decorated broadcasters in NFL media today. He’s a two-time Sports Emmy Award winner, a five-time NSMA National Sportscaster of the Year winner, a recipient of the Curt Gowdy Award, and recipient of the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Nantz has covered the NFL since 1985 and anchored coverage of the Masters since 1989.
Super Bowl LV will the sixth Super Bowl that Nantz has been on the call for.
CBS will be losing one of the greats if they can’t find a way to bring Nantz back.
