The Rise of Katie Nolan, Sports Journalist: From ESPN to Comedy

Sports Journalist Katie Nolan's Photo
Sports Journalist Katie Nolan's Photo

Katherine Beth Nolan (Katie Nolan): A Biography of the Sports Media Personality

Katherine Beth Nolan, known professionally as Katie Nolan, is an American sports television personality and host.

She has gained recognition for her work as a commentator for Apple TV+’s Friday Night Baseball and her short-form content at NBC Sports. 

Nolan has also hosted a weekly ESPN podcast called “Sports?” and previously hosted “Always Late with Katie Nolan” on ESPN2 and “Garbage Time with Katie Nolan” on Fox Sports.

Her work has earned her accolades, including a Sports Emmy Award for “Garbage Time” in 2016 and nominations for “Always Late” in 2019 and 2020.

Early Life and Education

Katie Nolan, born Katherine Beth Nolan on January 28, 1987, in Framingham, Massachusetts, had a vibrant upbringing.

She grew up in a sports-loving family with her parents, Mike and Cammie Nolan, and her older brother, Kevin.

Her father, Mike, is the president and CFO of MKN Tax and Financial Services, while her mother, Cammie, was a bartender during Katie’s early years.

From a young age, Katie showed athletic talent, winning a gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics at the Junior Olympics when she was just 10 years old.

This early success in sports undoubtedly influenced her passion for athletics and performance.

Katie attended Framingham High School, graduating in 2005, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations with a minor in Dance from Hofstra University in 2009.

Her education laid the foundation for her future career in media and entertainment.

One significant life experience that shaped Katie was her decision to start a blog called “Bitches Can’t Hang” while bartending in Boston.

This blog focused on pop culture and news and eventually led to her career in sports media.

Her unique voice and comedic style caught the attention of Fox Sports, where she began working as a digital correspondent and later hosted shows like “Garbage Time with Katie Nolan” and “Always Late with Katie Nolan”.

Katie’s career has been marked by her ability to blend humor and insightful commentary, making her a beloved figure in sports media. She continues to inspire many with her engaging presence and sharp wit.

Career

Katie’s career began in an unconventional way—while working as a bartender, she launched a blog called Bitches Can’t Hang, focusing on pop culture and sports.

This led to opportunities with Yardbarker, where she produced and hosted Guyism Speed Round.

Her big break came with hosting Fox Sports’ Garbage Time with Katie Nolan (2015-2017), a sports comedy show that earned her a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Social TV Experience​.

After Garbage Time, she joined ESPN, contributing to shows like Always Late with Katie Nolan and the podcast Sports?.

Known for her humor, wit, and ability to tackle tough sports topics, Katie has remained a standout personality in the industry.

She also made appearances on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore and worked on other ESPN platforms​.

Katie’s career has also extended into digital platforms, including appearances on streaming services and podcasts, showcasing her adaptability and broad appeal in sports media.

Early Beginnings

Katie Nolan’s entry into the world of sports media started in an unconventional manner.

While working as a bartender at the White Horse Tavern in Boston, she began writing a blog titled “Bitches Can’t Hang”.

The blog, which focused on pop culture and news with a humorous twist, showcased her unique voice and wit.

This platform allowed her to experiment with content creation and develop her distinctive style.

During this period, she also collaborated with Guyism, a sports and entertainment website that was part of the Fox Sports Yardbarker network.

Katie created and hosted a YouTube series called “Guyism Speed Round”, where she delivered comedic monologues in a style reminiscent of “Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update.”

This series gained traction and highlighted her ability to blend humor with sports commentary.

Fox Sports

Katie’s talents caught the attention of Fox Sports, and in August 2013, she joined Fox Sports 1 as a digital correspondent for “Crowd Goes Wild”, a sports and entertainment talk show hosted by Regis Philbin.

This role marked her entry into mainstream sports media. In addition to her work on the show, she hosted the web series “No Filter with Katie Nolan” on FoxSports.com, where she continued to build her brand and connect with a broader audience.

Garbage Time with Katie Nolan

Katie’s breakthrough came with the launch of her show “Garbage Time with Katie Nolan” on Fox Sports in March 2015.

The show was a blend of sports analysis, humor, and social commentary, which quickly gained a loyal following.

“Garbage Time” was known for its unique format, featuring segments like “The Garbage Five,” where Katie would countdown the five most important (or ridiculous) moments in sports from the previous week.

In 2016, “Garbage Time” won a Sports Emmy Award for “Outstanding Social TV Experience”, a testament to its impact and popularity.

The show’s success helped Katie establish herself as a leading voice in sports media, known for her insightful and often humorous takes on current events.

Transition to ESPN

In October 2017, Katie Nolan made a significant career move by joining ESPN. Her new role at ESPN provided her with a larger platform to reach an even wider audience.

At ESPN, she hosted the weekly podcast “Sports? with Katie Nolan” and the digital series “Always Late with Katie Nolan.”

“Always Late” was a continuation of her unique style, blending sports commentary with comedic sketches and interviews.

The show covered a range of topics, from major sporting events to pop culture, and often included segments that poked fun at traditional sports media tropes.

Apple TV+ and NBC Sports

Katie has also expanded her presence in sports media by contributing to Apple TV+’s “Friday Night Baseball” as a commentator.

Her role with Apple TV+ allowed her to bring her engaging and relatable style to a new audience.

Additionally, she has created short-form content for NBC Sports, showcasing her versatility and ability to adapt to different formats and platforms.

Recent Projects

Katie Nolan continues to be a prominent voice in sports media, known for her engaging presence and ability to connect with audiences.

She has built a loyal following thanks to her unique style and fresh perspective on sports and pop culture.

Her work spans various platforms, including digital media, television, and podcasts, demonstrating her versatility and broad appeal.

Notable Reports and Contributions

Katie Nolan has made several notable reports and contributions throughout her career, showcasing her unique style and insightful commentary. Here are some of her most memorable works:

  • “No Filter with Katie Nolan”:

    This web series on allowed Katie to delve into various sports topics with her signature humor and candidness. One of her most impactful episodes was her commentary on the Ray Rice domestic violence incident, which received widespread praise and was picked up by The New York Times.

  • “Garbage Time with Katie Nolan”:

    Katie’s breakout show on Fox Sports was known for its blend of sports analysis, humor, and social commentary. One of the most talked-about episodes was her critique of a blog post titled “How to Land a Husband at the Masters,” which appeared on a fellow Fox reporter’s blog. This episode was praised for its sharp criticism and humor.

  • NFL Films Presents:

    Katie hosted this series on Fox Sports 1, where she provided unique insights and commentary on NFL-related topics. Her ability to blend humor with serious analysis made this show a hit among viewers.

  • “Sports? with Katie Nolan”:

    This weekly podcast on ESPN allowed Katie to explore a wide range of sports topics in a conversational and engaging manner. Her ability to connect with listeners and provide thoughtful commentary made this podcast a favorite among sports fans.

  • “Always Late with Katie Nolan”:

    This digital series on ESPN continued Katie’s tradition of blending humor with sports commentary. The show covered a variety of topics, from major sporting events to pop culture, and often included comedic sketches and interviews.

  • “Friday Night Baseball”:

    Katie’s role as a commentator for Apple TV+’s “Friday Night Baseball” allowed her to bring her engaging style to a new audience. Her ability to connect with viewers and provide insightful commentary has made her a standout in the world of sports broadcasting.

Awards and Recognitions

Katie Nolan has received several awards and recognitions throughout her career, highlighting her impact and contributions to sports media:

  • Sports Emmy Awards:

    • 2016: Outstanding Social TV Experience for “Garbage Time with Katie Nolan”. This award recognized the show’s innovative format and engaging content.
    • 2019: Nominee for Outstanding Studio Show Weekly for “Always Late with Katie Nolan”.
    • 2020: Nominee for Outstanding Studio Show Weekly for “Always Late with Katie Nolan”.
  • Shorty Awards:

    • 2012: Nominee for Best Web Show for “Guyism Speed Round”. This award acknowledged her early work in digital media and her ability to create engaging online content.

Katie’s awards and nominations reflect her talent, creativity, and dedication to sports media. Her ability to blend humor with insightful commentary has made her a standout in the industry.

Katie Nolan’s Comedy Career

Katie Nolan has seamlessly blended her comedic talents with her sports commentary, making her a unique figure in both fields. Here’s a closer look at her journey:

Early Comedy Beginnings

Katie’s foray into comedy began with her blog “Bitches Can’t Hang.” While bartending at the White Horse Tavern in Boston, she used the blog to comment on pop culture and news with a humorous twist. This platform allowed her to develop her comedic voice and gain a following.

Guyism Speed Round

Katie’s comedic prowess was further showcased in her YouTube series “Guyism Speed Round.”

This series featured Katie delivering quick, witty monologues on various topics, much like “Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update.”

Her sharp humor and engaging style caught the attention of many, helping her establish a strong online presence.

Drunk History

Katie’s appearances on “Drunk History” on Comedy Central were significant in her comedy career. In this show, she narrated historically significant events with a humorous twist, often while intoxicated. Her episodes included:

  • Season 5, Episode 6: Katie narrated the story of Sybil Ludington, a heroine of the American Revolutionary War.
  • Season 6, Episode 8: She told the tale of Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pitman Hughes, highlighting their contributions to the feminist movement.
  • Season 7, Episode 1: Katie shared the story of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, an important event in labor history.

Her storytelling style, combined with the show’s unique format, further showcased her comedic abilities.

Garbage Time with Katie Nolan

Katie’s breakthrough in mainstream media came with her Fox Sports show “Garbage Time with Katie Nolan.”

Launched in March 2015, the show was a blend of sports analysis, humor, and social commentary. Some notable comedic segments from the show include:

  • “The Garbage Five”: A countdown of the five most ridiculous sports moments of the week.
  • Critique of “How to Land a Husband at the Masters”: A humorous takedown of a blog post that was both sharp and insightful.

“Garbage Time” won a Sports Emmy Award in 2016 for “Outstanding Social TV Experience,” highlighting its impact and popularity.

Always Late with Katie Nolan

At ESPN, Katie continued to blend comedy with sports commentary in her digital series “Always Late with Katie Nolan.”

The show included a mix of comedic sketches, interviews, and commentary on sports and pop culture. Some standout segments included:

  • “Fantasy Football Prep”: A humorous guide to getting ready for fantasy football season.
  • “Every Day a New Disaster”: A satirical look at the unpredictable nature of sports news.

“Always Late” was nominated for Sports Emmy Awards in 2019 and 2020, further cementing Katie’s status as a leading figure in sports comedy.

Podcasts and Short-Form Content

Katie has also excelled in the podcasting world with “Sports? with Katie Nolan,” a weekly podcast where she discusses a wide range of sports topics with her signature humor.

Her ability to engage listeners and provide insightful yet comedic commentary has made her podcast a favorite among sports fans.

In addition to her podcast, Katie has created short-form content for NBC Sports and contributed to Apple TV+’s “Friday Night Baseball.”

Her comedic style continues to resonate with audiences across various platforms.

Katie Nolan’s comedy career is marked by her ability to blend humor with insightful sports commentary.

Her unique approach has made her a beloved figure in both sports media and comedy, earning her numerous accolades and a loyal following.

Katie Nolan’s Financial Status

Net Worth

Katie Nolan’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million as of December 2024. This wealth has been accumulated through her successful career in sports media, television hosting, and digital content creation.

Salary

During her time at ESPN, Katie Nolan earned an annual salary of approximately $600,000. While specific details about her salary at other networks like Fox Sports and NBC Sports are not publicly available, it’s safe to assume that her earnings have been substantial given her prominence in the industry.

Main Sources of Income

Katie’s main sources of income include:

  • Hosting Television Shows: Her work on shows like “Garbage Time with Katie Nolan” on Fox Sports and “Always Late with Katie Nolan” on ESPN has been a significant contributor to her income.
  • Podcasts: Her weekly podcast “Sports? with Katie Nolan” has also been a lucrative venture.
  • Digital Content: Creating short-form content for platforms like NBC Sports and Apple TV+’s “Friday Night Baseball” has further added to her financial success.
  • Guest Appearances and Collaborations: Katie has also earned through guest appearances on shows like “Drunk History” and collaborations with brands like United Airlines for web-based series.

Her financial success is a testament to her talent, hard work, and ability to connect with audiences across various platforms.

Katie Nolan’s Personal Life

  • Age: Katie Nolan was born on January 28, 1987, making her 37 years old as of December 2024.
  • Zodiac Sign: Katie is a Capricorn.
  • Ethnicity: Katie is of Irish-American descent.
  • Nationality: She is American.
  • Relationship Status: Katie is currently in a relationship with Dan Soder, a stand-up comedian, actor, and radio personality. They started dating in 2022 and have been together since.
  • Husband: Katie is not married.

Katie Nolan’s Fiancé: Dan Soder

Nolan is engaged to Dan Soder, a comedian, actor, and radio personality. Here are some details about him:

  • Career: Dan Soder began his comedy career while studying at the University of Arizona. After graduation, he moved to New York to pursue comedy professionally. He has appeared on shows like “Guy Code” on MTV2 and is known for his role as Maffee on the Showtime drama series “Billions”. He is also known for his impression of “Macho Man” Randy Savage.
  • Relationship with Katie: Katie and Dan started dating in 2020, and their relationship became public in October 2021 when Katie posted a lovely anniversary photo on Instagram. They got engaged in December 2022, and Katie has often shared her happiness about their relationship on social media.
  • Personal Life: Dan Soder is known for his quick wit and humor, much like Katie. They have a supportive and loving relationship, often cheering each other on in their respective careers.

Physical Attributes

  • Height: Katie Nolan is approximately 5 feet 6 inches (167.5 cm) tall.
  • Weight: She weighs around 121 lbs (55 kg).
  • Measurements: Katie’s measurements are approximately 33-24-35 inches.
  • Distinguishing Features: Katie has dark brown hair and dark brown eyes. She has a slim build and is known for her expressive and engaging presence on screen.

Katie’s physical appearance complements her vibrant personality and engaging style, making her a recognizable figure in sports media.

Social Media Activity

Katie is active on social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where she engages with fans and shares insights into her professional and personal life.

She uses her accounts to discuss sports, highlight comedic moments, and occasionally interact with followers​.

Katie Nolan continues to be a prominent figure in sports entertainment, celebrated for her unique voice and ability to blend humor with insightful commentary.