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Mike Yam

Mike Yam is a Chinese-Italian American sports broadcaster, author, and advocate for diversity and representation in media. He serves as a studio host at NFL Network and as the lead host of CW Football Saturday on The CW. A Fordham University graduate and winner of the Marty Glickman Award for broadcasting excellence, he is also the author of two children’s books celebrating multicultural identity.

Overview

Mike Yam's Profile

Mike Yam was born in New York and grew up in Dumont, New Jersey, in a Chinese-Italian household. He attended Fordham University, where he hosted One on One on campus radio station WFUV. After college, Yam launched his career at Sirius Satellite Radio, co-hosting The Mike and Murray Show and hosting NBA Radio’s Full Court Press and The Phil Jackson Show. 

He joined NBA TV as a studio host and then ESPN in 2008, where he anchored SportsCenter and hosted College Football Live, College Basketball Final, and NBA Fastbreak. In 2012, he became the lead studio host for Pac-12 Networks, a role he held for nine years while also serving as the play-by-play voice for Intel Sports’ NFL coverage and contributing to SiriusXM Radio.

In 2020, Yam joined NFL Network as a host, contributing to pregame and postgame shows, studio programming, and special events. He also took on the role of lead host for CW Football Saturday on The CW in 2024 — a position he returned to in 2025. Beyond television, Yam published the children’s book Fried Rice and Marinara to address the lack of Asian and mixed-race representation in children’s media. 

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Mike Yam
  • Gender: Male
  • Date of Birth: 1981-09-23
  • Nationality: American
  • Ethnicity: Mixed
  • Sexual Orientation: Not publicly disclosed
  • Marital Status: Undisclosed
  • Career Start: 2003
  • Current Network:
  • Years Active
  • Estimated Salary: 150,000–$300,000

2
TV Shows

0
Current Hosts

20
Years Active

50
Awards Won

TV Shows​

A list of television shows hosted by this host, including current programs and previous presenting roles.

NFL Total Access
ESPN's SportsCentre
SportsCenter

Networks

A list of Networks that this host has worked for.

Personal Life

Family, relationships and background

      Education

      Educational background and qualifications

      • St. Mary's Catholic School, Dumont, New Jersey.
      • Bergen Catholic High School, Oradell, New Jersey.
      • Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Fordham University, Bronx, New York (2003).

      Net Worth & Income

      Income sources, net worth, and properties.

      • Primary income from his studio host role at NFL Network (2020–present).
      • Additional income from hosting CW Football Saturday and CW Football Saturday Countdown on The CW (2024–present).
      • A regular contributor to SiriusXM Radio, covering pro and college football.
      • Book royalties from his published titles, including Fried Rice and Marinara and Mikey on the Mic: A Broadcasting Dream.
      • Additional income from speaking engagements and public appearances.

      Awards

      Awards & recognition

      • Marty Glickman Award for Excellence in Play-by-Play Broadcasting — WFUV / Fordham University (received while a student).
      • Joan Pasheluk Tribute Award — Joe Girardi's Catch 25 Foundation