The 20 Most Powerful Names in Sports Media

In the United States especially, sports are a huge part of the culture.  Whether college or professional, people in this country love sports, and they also love talking about them.  As a result, the sports media field has exploded, and there are countless radio, TV, and Internet shows hosted by people who believe they have the best facts and opinions on what’s happening in the world of sports.  However, even with all of the people out there wanting to be heard, there are some power players in the industry whose opinions are considered gold.  These people not only earn a lot of money, but have also earned a lot of respect, and although some of them have never worn a uniform, it would be hard to imagine sports without them.  Here are the 20 most powerful names in sports media.

(Photo by Michal Czerwonka/Getty Images)

Brian Windhorst

ESPN sportswriter, Brian Windhorst, is best-known for his coverage of LeBron James.  Since LeBron James is one of the most popular athletes in the entire world, Windhorst, has essentially been able to build a career on discussing LeBron’s game and what he may do next. Ironically, Windhorst and James attended the same high school; however, not at the same time.

(image via https://twitter.com/KyleHo_)

Mike Francesca

Radio and TV personality, Mike Francesca, has had a very long career in sports media, and recently earned a nationwide presence with the help of his Fox Sports 1 deal.  Francesca is one of the go-to guys for discussing NFL action and he is now the host of his own show, Mike’s On: Francesa on the FAN.  Francesca may be in his 60s, but his career is still growing, and will definitely reach new heights before it’s all said and done.

(image via https://twitter.com/GothamSN/)

Rachel Nichols

It’s not easy for women to find success in a male dominated field like sports media, but Rachel Nichols is definitely keeping up with the best of them.  A well-trained sports journalist, Nichols works with Turner sports to cover the NBA on TNT, the NCAA tournament, and major league baseball.  Nichols always knows what to ask, and she definitely isn’t afraid of asking the tough questions. In fact, she was fearless in confronting undefeated boxer, Floyd Mayweather, about his domestic violence allegations.

(image via https://twitter.com/jordanbks)

Paul Finebaum

Paul Finebaum has had a successful career on both radio and TV.  The sports media vet, is a huge voice in college football, and fans are always eager to hear what he has to say. On his radio show, Finebaum has conducted countless interviews, bringing the best news and information to all of his devoted listeners.

(image via https://twitter.com/SECNetwork/)

Jason Whitlock

Former college football player, Jason Whitlock, is all about discussing sports from an interesting angle.  Never afraid to bring any topic, Whitlock is definitely a strong presence in the sports media world. Despite his great commentary, Whitlock is also known for making some off-the-wall remarks regarding things taking place in sports.  However, despite that fact, Whitlock has built a very strong fan base of people who love to hear things from his point of view.

(image cia https://twitter.com/tomhoffarth/)

Darren Rovell

ESPN sports business writer, Darren Rovell is known for pretty much saying whatever he wants, and sometimes this behavior has gotten him in trouble on social media. After writing an offensive tweet about an overweight fan, Rovell’s job suspended him from Twitter.  However, aside from his issues, Rovell has made some great contributions to the sports media world, and has even earned an Emmy Award.

(image via https://twitter.com/UPROXXSports)

Nick Khan

Although you not be familiar with his name, Nick Khan is one of the biggest agents in sports media. Khan has a reputation for being able to help his clients get to the next level. He knows all of the people at the top of the sports media food chain, making him a good person to know.

Dan Patrick

For almost a decade, Dan Patrick hosted his own show on ESPN simply called The Dan Patrick Show. Unlike some others before and after him, leaving ESPN did not end his career, and he has found great success since leaving the network. He currently has his own radio show, also called The Dan Patrick Show, and his interviews are often among the biggest in the business.

(image https://twitter.com/dpshow/)

Jay Glazer

In sports, news is great – but it can also be boring.  What most fans what isn’t a play-by-play, it’s an opinion and insight on what’s going on.  Although Jay Glazer is a reporter, he definitely does offer his own perspective, and that’s what the people really love him for. Glazer is best-known for covering professional football, but he is also known for his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) insight.

(image via https://twitter.com/The700Level)

Kirk Herbstreit

Kirk Herbstreit is a bit of a controversial figure on sports media.  He has strong opinions, and is never afraid to express them. As a former college quarterback, Herbstreit has unique insight into the college football game and when he isn’t making people mad, they’re hanging on to his every word.

(image via https://twitter.com/JenCaryBG)

Colin Cowherd

ESPN radio talk show host, Colin Cowherd, is popular because his opinions seem to really resonate with people.  As a sports fan, even if you don’t agree with him – there’s a pretty good chance that what he has to say will definitely make you think. Many believe that Cowherd’s career has yet to reach its peak, and within a few years he will really have taken over the sports media world.

(image via https://twitter.com/chrissegalla/)

Adrian Wojnarowski

If it’s about basketball, then columnist Adrian Wojnarowski is all about it. Wojnarowski is considered the best “scooper” when it comes to professional basketball, and when he makes draft predictions everybody listens.  However, despite his popularity, he has also been criticized for some of his reporting tactics when it comes to NBA superstar, LeBron James.  Many feel that he is biased towards James, and relies to heavily on ‘anonymous’ sources when reporting on information regarding the star.

Dan Le Batard

Miami resident, Dan Le Batard is popular not only for his opinions, but for the controversies he’s been involved in throughout his career. In 2014, it was revealed that Le Batard gave his Hall of Fame vote away to Deadspin.com which resulted in a one-year ban. Le Batard also received a two-day suspension from ESPN after mocking LeBron James leaving Miami, and planning to fly his own banner in response to the ones that were hung in the city.

(image via https://twitter.com/ESPNCFB)

Jay Bilas

Former Duke University baller, Jay Bilas, is currently a college basketball analyst for ESPN. As a former coach and player, he definitely knows the ins and outs of college basketball, and his work in the sports media field has been well-respected by both fans and colleagues. Aside from his career in sports, Bilas is also a lawyer.

(image via https://twitter.com/nyknicks/)

Skip Bayless & Stephen A. Smith

Even if you don’t like sports you’ve probably heard of Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith; these guys are everywhere. Many of their comments and opinions have surpassed ESPN and sports media, and made it into pop culture.  It seems like when Bayless and Smith talk, everyone listens and fans also love to see their dynamic.

 (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Paley Center for Media)

LeBron James

LeBron James is the only current athlete on the list, but with good reason. James has been part of several of the biggest sports media stories over the last several years, and when he was in the midst of making his decision on whether or not to stay in Miami, it seemed like the entire sports world held its breath.  Even if you’re not a LeBron fan – or a basketball fan in general – there’s no denying what LeBron means to professional sports, and in turn the sports media world.  In fact, some of the guys on this list may not have made it if it weren’t for LeBron.

 (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for Beats by Dr. Dre)

Jon Gruden

Former NFL coach, Jon Gruden knows football like the back of his hand. Now working for ESPN, Gruden still gets to put all of his football knowledge to good use, and he seems to be enjoying his career change.  However, many believe that he will eventually decide to return to coaching, although ESPN will probably put up a good fight in order to make him stay.

(image via https://twitter.com/titans_fanly)

Peter King

Peter King is an OG in the sports media world. The legendary Sports Illustrated writer is well-known for his in-depth knowledge and eagerness to present his fans with the best information. King has written five books on professional football and has been featured on several TV and radio programs.  King also has a very strong online presence which gives his fans access to him 24/7.

(image via https://twitter.com/theMMQB)

Charles Barkley

Former NBA superstar, Charles Barkley, is extremely well-known for his strong opinions on everything.  Seriously, this guy will say ANYTHING – and that’s what people love about him the most.  However, Barkley isn’t just about opinions, he’s very knowledgeable about basketball and when he makes a prediction people seem to listen.  It also helps that Barkley has a great sense of humor, so despite how people feel about him, he’s always finds a way to laugh about it.

(Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)

Bill Simmons

After leaving ESPN earlier this year, everyone in the sports media world is wondering what Bill Simmons is going to do next – and because of that, he’s currently the most powerful guy in the business.  With his experience, he could easily pick up another high-powered contract, but no one knows for sure whether or not he will choose to return to sports media.

(image via https://twitter.com/Mediaite/)

ncG1vNJzZmiblaGyo77IrbCtp5%2BXe6S7zGhpaWWgpMSmvsWuo2amkaKytHnSqaarrKNiuqawyJpm