Holly Rowe is a famous American sports broadcaster and sideline reporter working for ESPN. She is best known for her coverage of college football, women’s basketball, and the WNBA. Holly has made history as the first female color commentator for the Utah Jazz and is enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame after receiving the 2023 Curt Gowdy Media Award.
Holly Rowe Biography
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Holly Rowe |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | June 16, 1966 |
| Age | 59 years old (as of 2026) |
| Place of birth | Woods Cross, Utah, United States |
| Current residence | New York City, New York, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Zodiac sign | Gemini |
| Religion | Christian |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | 143 lbs (65 kg) |
| Hair colour | Blonde |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Marital status | Single |
| Children | One (McKylin Rowe) |
| Alma mater | University of Utah, Brigham Young University (attended), Woods Cross High School |
| Profession | Sports broadcaster, sideline reporter, television commentator |
| Net worth | $3 million (estimated) |
Who is Holly Rowe?
Holly Rowe is a veteran sports journalist who has become one of the most recognizable faces in American sports broadcasting.
She works as a sideline reporter and commentator for ESPN, covering college football, women’s college basketball, the WNBA, gymnastics, volleyball, and softball.
The Utah native has spent more than 30 years in sports journalism and is widely respected for her passionate reporting style and dedication to women’s sports.
Rowe made history on October 22, 2021, when she became the first female color commentator for the Utah Jazz in a game against the Sacramento Kings.
She was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023 after receiving the prestigious Curt Gowdy Electronic Media Award. Holly is a three-time Sports Emmy Award winner and was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame in 2025.
Beyond her professional achievements, Holly is a stage 4 metastatic melanoma cancer survivor who has become an inspirational speaker. She continues to work full-time at ESPN while advocating for cancer awareness and women’s sports.
Is Holly Rowe married? Husband, relationship status and personal life
Holly Rowe is not married as of 2026. She keeps her personal life private and has not publicly shared details about her romantic relationships.
Over the years, there has been speculation and conflicting information about her marital status, with some sources claiming she has a husband named Scott Rowe or Steve Rowe. Holly has not confirmed any of these reports.
What is clear is that Holly is a single mother who has raised her son on her own. She has chosen to focus on her career and motherhood while maintaining privacy about her romantic life.
Holly Rowe’s son
Holly is the proud mother of McKylin Rowe, who was born in the mid-1990s. McKylin is now in his late 20s or early 30s. He has pursued a career as an actor and writer, with roles in films like “American Underdog” and “Existential.”
Holly brought McKylin to her first assignment at ESPN when he was just eight weeks old, demonstrating her determination to balance motherhood with her demanding career.
The mother-son duo has a close relationship. McKylin has appeared with his mother at public events and has been supportive throughout her cancer journey.
In 2018, Holly and McKylin shared a two-bedroom apartment in New York City with fellow ESPN reporter Maria Taylor. Holly moved to New York to be closer to her son, who was building his acting career in the city.
Holly and McKylin also co-host a podcast called “Call Your Mom,” where they discuss family dynamics, current events, and life experiences. The podcast showcases their warm relationship and shared sense of humor.
How old is Holly Rowe? Age and birthday
Holly Rowe is 59 years old as of 2026. She was born on June 16, 1966, in Woods Cross, Utah, United States.
Her zodiac sign is Gemini. She celebrates her birthday every year on June 16 with her family and close friends.
Holly Rowe’s height, weight, and body measurements
Holly Rowe stands 5 feet 5 inches tall (165 centimeters) and weighs around 143 pounds (65 kilograms). She has blonde hair and brown eyes.
Her height often creates a notable contrast when she is photographed alongside tall athletes, particularly basketball and football players.
What is Holly Rowe’s net worth and salary?
As of 2026, Holly Rowe’s net worth is estimated at $3 million. She earns an annual salary of $800,000 from ESPN.
Her wealth comes from her long career as a sports broadcaster, which spans more than three decades.
In 2023, ESPN offered her a long-term contract extension, even during a period of company layoffs, demonstrating how valuable she is to the network.
Her income sources include her ESPN salary, speaking engagements, and documentary production work.
Career
Early career beginnings
Holly Rowe knew from a young age that she wanted to work in sports journalism. After graduating from Woods Cross High School in 1984, she attended Brigham Young University for two years before transferring to the University of Utah.
While at the University of Utah, she worked as a sportswriter for the Daily Utah Chronicle and the Davis County Clipper, and anchored the campus TV station news. She graduated with a broadcast journalism degree in 1991.
Rowe began her broadcasting career working for the Blue and White Sports Network in Utah. Her big break came when she noticed that ABC had not assigned a sideline reporter for a BYU vs. Utah game.
She took the initiative to approach the production team and offer her services, which led to her getting the assignment. This bold move launched her career in major sports broadcasting.
ESPN and national prominence
Holly joined ESPN on a regular basis in 1998, though she appeared on select ESPN telecasts starting in 1997.
She quickly established herself as one of the network’s most versatile and hardworking reporters.
Rowe covers college football as a lead sideline reporter for Saturday-night games, including the College Football Playoff.
She is the lead reporter for ESPN’s coverage of women’s college basketball, including the NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament.
She covers the WNBA and playoffs, the Women’s College World Series, NCAA Division I women’s volleyball, gymnastics, and softball.
Her dedication to women’s sports has made her one of the most important voices advocating for increased coverage and recognition of female athletes.
From 1993 to 2009, Rowe served as the play-by-play voice for BYU women’s basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics. She has also worked as a sideline reporter for BYU and Air Force football games.
Historic achievements
On October 22, 2021, Holly made Utah Jazz history as the team’s first female color commentator in a game against the Sacramento Kings.
This groundbreaking achievement added to her legacy as a trailblazer for women in sports broadcasting.
In February 2023, she was named the recipient of the 2023 Curt Gowdy Electronic Media Award by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
This honor enshrined her in the Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing her outstanding contributions to basketball journalism.
She has won three Sports Emmy Awards during her career and received the Mel Greenberg National Media Award from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.
In September 2025, Holly was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame, honoring her contributions to sports in her home state.
Documentary work
Holly is an award-winning producer and writer of documentaries and features that have aired on KBYU TV, ESPN, and FOX 13 TV in Salt Lake City.
Her storytelling extends beyond live sports coverage to include in-depth profiles and feature stories about athletes and their journeys.
Holly Rowe’s cancer story
In May 2015, Holly Rowe was diagnosed with desmoplastic melanoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. She noticed that a red scar on her chest from a previous surgery had changed appearance.
After a biopsy, doctors confirmed the cancer diagnosis. The news was devastating, but Holly decided to continue working while undergoing treatment.
In July 2016, her cancer spread to her lungs, advancing to stage 4 metastatic melanoma. Her doctor told her she might have only six to nine months to live.
Holly joined a clinical trial testing a combination immunotherapy approach. The treatment was successful, and today she is cancer-free.
Throughout her cancer journey, Holly continued to work at ESPN. She believes that her job and the people she met through sports helped save her life by giving her purpose and joy during treatment.
She has become an inspirational speaker, sharing her story with cancer patients and advocacy organizations. Holly partnered with the Melanoma Research Foundation to raise awareness about skin cancer and the importance of early detection.
Holly often speaks about finding joy in every moment and being “reckless with your confidence.” Her cancer experience transformed her perspective on life and strengthened her commitment to making every day count.
Social Media Presence
As of February 2026, Holly Rowe has approximately 142,000 followers on Instagram, where she posts under the username @sportsiren.
She uses the platform to share behind-the-scenes moments from her sports coverage, inspirational messages about cancer survival, and advocacy for women’s sports.
Her Instagram bio describes her as “MOM, ANTI-RACIST, Sports Journalist, Loving the Adventure of Life.”
On X (formerly Twitter), Holly is active under the same handle @sportsiren. She uses the platform to engage with fans, share sports updates, and promote women’s athletics.
Her social media presence reflects her passionate advocacy for female athletes and her commitment to bringing joy and positivity to her followers.
Holly’s posts often go viral, particularly when she defends women’s sports or highlights inspiring athlete stories. She is known for her authentic and emotional approach to storytelling on social media.
Fast Facts About Holly Rowe
- Holly graduated from Woods Cross High School in 1984 and interned at the Davis County Clipper during high school.
- She attended Brigham Young University for two years before transferring to the University of Utah, where she earned her broadcast journalism degree in 1991.
- Holly became the first female color commentator in Utah Jazz history on October 22, 2021.
- She is a three-time Sports Emmy Award winner and received the 2023 Curt Gowdy Electronic Media Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Holly was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame in 2025, honoring her contributions to sports journalism in her home state.
- She survived stage 4 metastatic melanoma after being diagnosed in 2015 and given six to nine months to live in 2016.
- Holly served as the 2025 commencement speaker at the University of Utah, her alma mater, where she encouraged graduates to “be reckless with your confidence.”
- She co-hosts a podcast called “Call Your Mom” with her son McKylin Rowe, where they discuss life, family, and current events.
- Holly worked through her cancer treatment and never stopped covering sports, believing that her job helped save her life.
- She is a passionate advocate for women’s sports and has been one of the leading voices pushing for greater coverage and recognition of female athletes.
Read more: Tesehki age, height, net worth, husband, children, career
Wrapping Up
Holly Rowe is a trailblazing sports broadcaster who has spent more than 30 years covering some of the biggest events in college sports and the WNBA.
With an estimated net worth of $3 million and an annual salary of $800,000 from ESPN, she has built a successful career while breaking barriers for women in sports journalism.
The 59-year-old Utah native is a cancer survivor, a dedicated mother, and a Hall of Fame journalist who continues to inspire people with her passion, resilience, and commitment to women’s sports. Her story is one of determination, courage, and finding joy in every moment.
References
- Wikipedia. “Holly Rowe”.
- ESPN Press Room. “Holly Rowe Biography”.
- College Football Network. “What Is Holly Rowe’s Net Worth? Breaking Down the Veteran ESPN Broadcaster’s $3 Million Fortune”.
- Women’s Health Magazine. “ESPN’s Holly Rowe Opens Up About Her Battle With Skin Cancer”.
- Cancer Today. “Still in the Game”.
- NCSD. “There is life after cancer, and, for me, it is joy in every moment – Q&A with ESPN reporter Holly Rowe”.
- Basketball Hall of Fame. “Holly Rowe, Marc Spears and CBS Sports Named Recipients of Basketball Hall of Fame’s 2023 Curt Gowdy Media Award”.
- Davis Journal. “WX grad Holly Rowe to be inducted into Utah Sports Hall of Fame for Class of 2025”.
- University of Utah. “Holly Rowe to Class of 2025: ‘Be reckless with your confidence’”.
- The Athletic. “Holly Rowe re-signs with ESPN on long-term deal”.
- KSL Sports. “Holly Rowe To Serve As Jazz First Female TV Analyst”.
Disclaimer: The information published on CelabMagazine.com is gathered from reliable and trusted sources. However, we do not guarantee the absolute accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of celebrity profiles, net worth figures, biographical details, or other content. We recommend readers independently verify information before making any decisions based on it. For corrections, updates, or any inquiries, please contact us at info@celabmagazine.com.
