Here is everything you need to know about the first female full-time analyst for an NBA team's local TV broadcasts.
Sarah Grace Kustok is an American sports reporter, who has made significant strides in the industry.
In 2017, she became a pioneer when the YES Network promoted her to the role of full-time analyst for Brooklyn Nets games, reporting on the likes of David Simmons. This achievement marked a historic moment, as she became the first female to hold such a position for an NBA team's local TV broadcasts.
Sarah Kustok Bio
Sarah grew up in the Orland Park neighborhood of Chicago, alongside her older brother, Zak. Zak was a former starting quarterback for the Northwestern Wildcats football team from 1999 to 2001 and is now a successful businessman.
Sarah followed her brother wherever he went, from the baseball diamond to the basketball court. Although three years younger than Zak, Sarah played on her school's boys' basketball team from fifth grade until high school. She regularly joined her brother's games, playing alongside boys her brother's age.
However, after playing basketball during her school days, she pivoted into sports broadcasting where she has grown in leaps and bounds.
Sarah has worked with the biggest sports networks in the USA, and she has made a hue name for herself, achieving what has never been done before the history of NBA broadcasting in the country.
She is also amazing outside her profession. Sarah once donated bone marrow to a child in need.
How old is Sarah Kustok? (Sarah Kustok age)
Sarah was born on December 17, 1981, in Orland Park, Illinois, to Allan Kustok and Anita "Jeanie" Kustok.
As of October 2024, she is 42 years old.
Sarah Kustok Father (What did Sarah Kustok’s father do)
Sarah’s father, Allan Kustok, was convicted of first-degree murder in 2014 and sentenced to 60 years in prison without parole. He was found guilty of shooting and killing his wife, Anita, in their Orland Park home in 2010.
However, Allan claimed that Anita had committed suicide, but the prosecution argued otherwise. He told police he had awakened to a gunshot and discovered his wife dead in bed with a .357 pistol in her hand.
Sarah testified at the trial, maintaining her father's innocence in the alleged murder.
Sarah admitted that she had been unaware of her father's multiple extramarital affairs before her mother's death but despite this, she continued to believe in his innocence.
Allan had purchased the pistol, claiming it was for his wife's protection. However, the federal form he filled out at the gun shop indicated that the weapon was intended for target practice. Sarah was unaware of the gun in the house and had never seen her mother with it.
Allan filed a motion for a new trial, claiming that newly discovered evidence undermined the credibility of an expert witness who testified against him during the trial. However, the state trial court rejected his motion and sentenced him to 60 years in prison.
Allan subsequently appealed the denial of a new trial, but the appeal court upheld the trial court's decision.
Sarah's father worked as a sales representative for a sports medicine company located in Florida, earning approximately $46,000 annually.
Her deceased mother was a teacher at Central Elementary School in Riverside.
Sarah Kustok School
Sarah was a standout basketball and volleyball player at Carl Sandburg High School in Orlando, Illinois, and she continued her athletic journey by receiving a basketball scholarship to DePaul University in Chicago.
She played for the DePaul women's basketball team from 2000 to 2004 where she earned the nickname ‘Barbie’, a name that oftened drover her nuts.
Following her graduation, Kustok transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of assistant basketball coach for the DePaul women's team.
Prior to this, she pursued a Master's degree in Corporate Multicultural Communication at the same university in 2005 and also contributed to ESPN and DePaul radio shows.
Sarah was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in November 2018 at Carl Sandburg High School.
Sarah Kustok Career
Sarah began her journey into broadcasting during her time at the DePaul University's athletics department after someone in the department suggested the idea.
A chance encounter with an ESPN producer led her to pursue a career in the industry, starting with low-level roles like running errands and making coffee.
Despite the humble beginnings, Sarah quickly demonstrated her talent and passion for sports broadcasting. She was hired by ESPN as an analyst and sideline reporter, and later joined Fox Sports. Her work has included reporting on Chicago teams like the Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox.
A significant milestone in her career came in 2017 when she was promoted to become the first female full-time analyst for an NBA team's local TV broadcasts. Her insightful commentary and deep understanding of the game have earned her widespread recognition.
Kustok continues to excel in her role as Lead Game Analyst for the Brooklyn Nets on the YES Network, contributing to Nets Magazine, and serving as a sports announcer for Fox Sports 1. Her basketball IQ, combined with her empathetic approach, has propelled her to the top of her profession.
She is the color commentator for the WNBA's Connecticut Sun home games.
Sarah Kustok Salary
According to multiple online sources, Sarah's estimated annual salary exceeds $59,000. This figure is consistent with the compensation of experienced sports commentators working for major networks.
Her involvement in prominent NBA broadcasts and other sporting events likely generates additional income through bonuses and other forms of compensation.
While NBA stars earn millions per season, the broadcasters do not earn as much.
Furthermore, her work with FOX Sports and other ventures contributes to her supplemental earnings, expanding her overall financial resources.
Sarah Kustok Net Worth
Per online sources, Sarah’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $1.5 million.
While her exact contract terms remain private, her prominent roles as an NBA analyst for the Brooklyn Nets and a sideline reporter for networks like YES Network and FOX Sports likely indicate a substantial pay.
Her groundbreaking achievement as the first female full-time NBA analyst on FOX Sports further enhances her earning potential.
Is Sarah Kustok Married?
There's no public information about Sarah Kustok's marital status.
Many speculate that the American sports journalist is unmarried. She's kept her personal life private, allowing her fans to focus on her impressive career and talent as a reporter.
Sarah Kustok Instagram
Sarah is on Instagram as @sgkustok. The account has over 45,000 followers.
She frequently shares posts on Instagram that highlight her bubbly demeanor, enthusiasm for her job, and strong connections with coworkers and kids.