Charissa Thompson is a prominent American television host and sportscaster, born on May 4, 1982, in Seattle, Washington. She is best known for her work with Fox Sports and Amazon Prime Video, having previously worked with ESPN, Versus, GSN, and the Big Ten Network. Her career spans nearly two decades, making her one of the most recognizable female figures in sports broadcasting.
Career Overview Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charissa Jean Thompson |
| Date of Birth | May 4, 1982 |
| Birthplace | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Education | University of California, Santa Barbara |
| Occupation | TV host, sportscaster |
| Active Years | 2006–present |
| Height | 5′ 6″ (1.68 m) |
| Major Networks | ESPN, Fox Sports, Amazon Prime Video |
| Notable Shows | SportsNation, Fox Sports Live, Fox NFL Kickoff, Extra |
| Net Worth (2026) | $3–6 million |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Kyle Thousand, 2020–2022) |
Early Life and Education
- Birth name: Charissa Jean Thompson
- Date of birth: May 4, 1982
- Place of birth: Seattle, Washington, USA
- Education: Graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.A. degree.
From a young age, Thompson showed interest in sports and media, which shaped her career path toward broadcasting.
Career Timeline
ESPN and Early Roles (2006–2013)
- Worked as a sideline reporter for college sports and the NHL on Versus.
- Co-hosted SportsNation with Marcellus Wiley.
- Hosted Numbers Never Lie on ESPN2.
Fox Sports (2013–Present)
- Joined Fox Sports in June 2013.
- Became host of Fox Sports Live at the launch of Fox Sports 1.
- Hosts Fox NFL Kickoff and contributes to NFL on Fox coverage.
- Works with Amazon Prime Video for NFL broadcasts.
Entertainment Roles
- Co-hosted Extra (2014–2017), an entertainment news program.
- Appeared as one of the U.S. hosts of Ultimate Beastmaster.
Personal Life
Charissa Thompson’s private life has been marked by two marriages, several high‑profile relationships, and her candid reflections on love and family. As of 2026, she is single, openly stating she has no intention of marrying again after past experiences.
Relationships and Marriages
- First marriage (mid‑2000s): At age 25, Charissa Thompson married an unidentified partner. The union was brief and ended quietly.
- Second marriage (2020–2022): She wed Kyle Thousand, a sports agent. The marriage lasted two years before ending in divorce.
- Past relationships: She was linked to former NBA player Jay Williams between 2013 and 2015.2
- Recent romance: Reports in 2024 suggested she was dating businessman Steven Cundari, though she has since emphasized her independence.
Public Statements
- In 2025, Thompson revealed on her podcast Not Gonna Lie that she had “married the wrong people, plural,” and explained why she does not plan to marry again.1
- She has been candid about how her experiences shaped her outlook on relationships and family planning, stressing resilience and self‑awareness.
Life Beyond Broadcasting
- Entrepreneurship: Outside of TV, she has pursued ventures in real estate and interior design, diversifying her career.3
- Lifestyle: She balances her professional commitments with personal projects, maintaining a strong presence in sports media while cultivating business interests.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Marriages | Two (first at 25, second with Kyle Thousand 2020–2022) |
| Current Status | Single, not planning to remarry |
| Past Relationships | Jay Williams (2013–2015), Steven Cundari (rumored 2024) |
| Public Outlook | Openly critical of past marriages, values independence |
| Other Activities | Real estate, interior design, entrepreneurship |
Charissa Thompson’s private life reflects the challenges of balancing a high‑profile career with personal relationships. Her openness about divorce and her decision not to remarry resonate with audiences who appreciate her authenticity. Professionally, she continues to thrive, while personally she embraces independence and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Net Worth
Charissa Thompson’s net worth in 2026 is estimated between $3 million and $6 million, depending on the source. Most of her wealth comes from her career as a sportscaster with Fox Sports and Amazon Prime Video, alongside past roles at ESPN and entertainment projects like Extra.
Net Worth Overview
- Range of estimates:
- CelebsMoney (2026): $100,000 – $1 million 1
- Celebrity Net Worth (2025): $6 million
- Primary income sources:
- Hosting Fox NFL Kickoff and Fox Sports Live.
- NFL coverage on Amazon Prime Video.
- Past work with ESPN (SportsNation, Numbers Never Lie).
- Entertainment hosting (Extra, Ultimate Beastmaster).
- Other ventures: Real estate and interior design projects supplement her broadcasting income.
Net Worth Breakdown
| Source of Income | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Fox Sports contracts | Major salary, long-term anchor |
| Amazon Prime Video NFL | Streaming-era broadcasting deals |
| ESPN (2006–2013) | Early career earnings |
| Entertainment hosting | Extra (2014–2017), Ultimate Beastmaster |
| Business ventures | Real estate, interior design |
| Estimated Net Worth 2026 | $1M – $6M |
The discrepancy in estimates reflects the difficulty of tracking exact earnings for media personalities. Celebrity Net Worth’s $6M figure likely includes accumulated assets and investments, while CelebsMoney’s $100K–$1M range may focus on liquid income or conservative reporting.
Regardless of the exact figure, Thompson’s financial success is tied to her ability to diversify across sports and entertainment media, securing high-profile contracts and leveraging her visibility into entrepreneurial ventures
Analysis
Charissa Thompson’s career reflects the rise of women in sports media, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. Her versatility—moving between sports broadcasting and entertainment—demonstrates adaptability and broad appeal. Financially, her net worth underscores the lucrative opportunities available to top sportscasters, especially those who diversify across platforms.
Legacy and Future Outlook
- Cultural Impact: Thompson has become a role model for aspiring female sportscasters.
- Professional Outlook: With her ongoing work at Fox Sports and Amazon Prime Video, she remains a central figure in NFL coverage.
- Personal Brand: Her candidness and charisma ensure continued relevance in both sports and entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Charissa Thompson
Who is Charissa Thompson?
Charissa Thompson (born May 4, 1982, in Seattle, Washington) is an American sportscaster and television host. She is best known for her work with Fox Sports and Amazon Prime Video, covering NFL games, and previously worked with ESPN and Extra.
What is Charissa Thompson’s net worth?
As of 2026, Charissa Thompson’s net worth is estimated between $3 million and $6 million, depending on the source. Her income comes from sportscasting contracts, entertainment hosting, endorsements, and business ventures in real estate and interior design.
What shows has Charissa Thompson hosted?
She has hosted or co‑hosted several major programs, including:
- SportsNation (ESPN)
- Numbers Never Lie (ESPN2)
- Fox Sports Live (Fox Sports 1)
- Fox NFL Kickoff (Fox Sports)
- Extra (entertainment news)
- Ultimate Beastmaster (Netflix)
Is Charissa Thompson married?
No. Charissa Thompson is currently single. She was married twice: first at age 25 (identity undisclosed), and later to sports agent Kyle Thousand (2020–2022).
Does Charissa Thompson have children?
No. Charissa Thompson does not have children and has spoken openly about focusing on her career and independence.
What is Charissa Thompson’s educational background?
She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor’s degree, which laid the foundation for her career in broadcasting.
What networks has Charissa Thompson worked for?
She has worked with ESPN, Fox Sports, Amazon Prime Video, Versus, GSN, and Big Ten Network, making her one of the most versatile sportscasters in the U.S.
What is Charissa Thompson’s role at Fox Sports?
She is the host of Fox NFL Kickoff and contributes to NFL on Fox coverage, playing a central role in pre‑game and live analysis.
Has Charissa Thompson worked outside of sports?
Yes. She co‑hosted the entertainment program Extra from 2014 to 2017 and appeared in Netflix’s Ultimate Beastmaster, showcasing her versatility beyond sports.
What makes Charissa Thompson influential?
Her influence comes from breaking barriers as a woman in sports broadcasting, her candid personality, and her ability to succeed across both sports and entertainment media.
