In a move few saw coming, sports icon Tom Brady has claimed the top spot on the list of highest-paid TV hosts for 2025 — overtaking late-night heavyweights like Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon.

At US$37.5 million annually, Brady leads the pack. His role as a top analyst for Fox’s NFL broadcasts, combined with additional TV appearances and perhaps corporate event work, has catapulted him to the top position.

For comparison:

Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay, and Gordon Ramsay follow closely behind with about US$33 million.

Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon are reportedly earning around US$16 million each.

Stephen Colbert earns approximately US$15 million.

This is a notable shift: for years, late-night talk shows and comedy hosts were assumed to dominate TV host salaries. Brady’s rise reflects changing media economics, where former sports stars and analysts with crossover appeal are commanding top dollar.

It also highlights how networks are willing to pay premiums for personalities who bring both name recognition and strong audience draw — especially in sports broadcasting. As streaming and digital revenue sources grow, such crossover figures may become more common