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Sage Steele

Sage Steele is an American television anchor and sports journalist best known for her work at ESPN, where she hosted SportsCenter and NBA Countdown.

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

Sage Steele is an American television anchor and sports journalist best known for her work at ESPN, where she hosted SportsCenter and NBA Countdown. She joined ESPN in 2007 and left the network in 2023 after settling a lawsuit with Disney/ESPN. Steele is also an Indiana University alumna and has worked as a reporter and anchor at several local and regional sports networks.

Early life and education

Steele was born on November 28, 1972, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sport communication from Indiana University in 1995.

Broadcasting career

She began in local television in 1995 and later worked in Indianapolis and at Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic before joining ESPN in 2007.

ESPN tenure

At ESPN, Steele anchored SportsCenter, hosted SportsCenter on the Road, and served as host of NBA Countdown. She also contributed to other ESPN programs during her tenure.

Departure from ESPN

Steele left ESPN in 2023 after settling a lawsuit related to remarks she had made and her dispute with the network.

Key facts

  • Graduated from Indiana University in 1995 with a degree in sport communication.
  • Began her television career in 1995 at WSBT-TV in South Bend, Indiana.
  • Worked at WISH-TV in Indianapolis and Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic before joining ESPN.
  • Joined ESPN in 2007 and became a SportsCenter anchor in 2008.
  • Departed ESPN in 2023 after settling a lawsuit with the network's parent company.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Sage Steele?
Sage Steele is an American sports journalist and former ESPN anchor known for SportsCenter and NBA Countdown.
When was Sage Steele born?
She was born on November 28, 1972.
Where did Sage Steele go to college?
She graduated from Indiana University in 1995 with a degree in sport communication.
What shows did Sage Steele host at ESPN?
She hosted SportsCenter and NBA Countdown, and also worked on SportsCenter on the Road.
When did Sage Steele leave ESPN?
She left ESPN in 2023 after settling a lawsuit with the company.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sage_Steele
    Supports: Birth date; ESPN roles; NBA Countdown hosting; career overview.
  2. Indiana University Honors and Awards — https://honorsandawards.iu.edu/awards/honoree/4746.html
    Supports: Education; early career; ESPN joining date; prior broadcasting roles.
  3. Indiana University Media School — https://mediaschool.indiana.edu/alumni/awards/recipients/sage-steele.html
    Supports: Degree; SportsCenter roles; SportsCenter on the Road hosting.
  4. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/15/media/sage-steele-espn
    Supports: Departure from ESPN in 2023 after settlement.
  5. Business Insider — https://www.businessinsider.com/sports-reporters-and-broadcasters-who-worked-ridiculously-hard-to-get-where-they-are-today-2012-10
    Supports: Early-career positions; Comcast SportsNet and ESPN timeline.