People • Broadcaster

Maria Taylor

Maria Taylor is an American sportscaster and television host known for her work at NBC Sports and previously ESPN.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Maria Taylor is an American sportscaster and television host known for her work at NBC Sports and previously ESPN. She has covered major events including the NFL, NBA, college football, volleyball, the Olympics, and NCAA basketball. Taylor became the first female full-time host of NBC Sports' Football Night in America.

Early life and education

Maria Taylor is from Alpharetta, Georgia, and studied broadcast journalism at the University of Georgia. She later completed an MBA at the same university.

Broadcasting career

Taylor built her profile through coverage of college sports at ESPN, including football, basketball, and volleyball. She joined NBC Sports in 2021 and became the first female full-time host of Football Night in America.

Notable coverage and roles

Her career has included hosting and reporting on the NBA Finals, NFL Draft, NCAA tournaments, the Olympics, and College GameDay. NBC has also described her as part of an original documentary project on the history of Black quarterbacks.

Recognition

Taylor has been named among Adweek's Most Powerful Women in Sports and has received a Gracie Award for Outstanding Broadcaster. Other profiles also note recognition by TIME's TIME100 Next list.

Key facts

Taylor began her career in sports broadcasting before joining ESPN in 2014 and later NBC Sports in 2021.
At NBC Sports, she has hosted Football Night in America and covered major events such as the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and NBA programming.
At ESPN, she appeared on programs including College GameDay, SEC Nation, NBA Countdown, and college football and basketball coverage.
She attended the University of Georgia, where she studied broadcast journalism and later earned an MBA.
Taylor has been recognized by industry outlets including Adweek and TIME for her work in sports media.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Maria Taylor?

Maria Taylor is an American sports broadcaster and television host who works for NBC Sports and previously worked for ESPN.

What is Maria Taylor known for?

She is known for hosting major sports studio shows and covering events including the NFL, NBA, college sports, and the Olympics.

Where did Maria Taylor study?

She studied at the University of Georgia, where she earned degrees in broadcast journalism and business administration.

When was Maria Taylor born?

She was born on May 12, 1987.

What was Maria Taylor's role at NBC Sports?

NBC Sports describes her as the first female full-time host of Football Night in America.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Taylor_(sportscaster)
Supports: Full name, birth date, nationality, career overview, prior ESPN and current NBC Sports work.
Maria Taylor official site — http://www.mariataylortv.com/
Supports: NBC Sports role, first female full-time host of Football Night in America, major hosting credits, awards, education.
ENGAGE — https://www.letsengage.com/talent/maria-taylor
Supports: NBC Sports role, ESPN background, major event coverage, recognition.
USA Today — https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/media/2021/07/23/nbc-hires-maria-taylor-broadcaster-host/8055560002/
Supports: NBC hiring, transition from ESPN, NBC hosting and contributor roles.
The Hollywood Reporter — https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/nbc-taps-maria-taylor-as-host-of-football-night-in-america-1235145628/
Supports: Appointment as host of Football Night in America, documentary project, prior ESPN work.
University of Georgia — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbOyuRDF_PA
Supports: Education, roles at ESPN, and alumni award reference.
LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-taylor-ba330071
Supports: Education details, ESPN role, and sports coverage background.