CBS Sports kicked off a massive industry spending spree when it lured former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo to its NFL booth in 2017. Now the sports outlet is likely to tamp down on costs by parting ways with the celebrated color commentator.
“CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways. We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward,” the company said in a statement Friday. JJ Watt, who has filled in for Romo so far this season, will continue to do so alongside regulars Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson.
Romo’s departure from CBS Sports may raise more questions than it answers. His exit opens a prime position during the network’s NFL season at a time when that sports has become even more critical to the fortunes of the company soon to be known as Skydance — the parent company formed from the merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The merged company will carry billions in debt, which could crimp its ability to spend heavily on new talent.
People familiar with the market estimate top football-booth personnel can earn between $15 million and $20 million per season.
CBS Sports may have other talent issues to juggle in weeks to come. Ian Eagle, an up and comer who calls secondary NFL games for CBS Sports, is also believed to have a contract that is set to lapse. He also calls NBA games for Amazon’s Prime Video.
More to come….
