John Feinstein built his net worth through bestselling books, media appearances, and a legendary journalism career.
Highlights
- John Feinstein was a prolific and successful sports journalist who authored 44 books (with his 50th book published in 2024), of which 23 became New York Times bestsellers, including his groundbreaking work “A Season on the Brink” about Bobby Knight and Indiana basketball.
- Feinstein maintained a diverse media presence until his death, writing for The Washington Post (his final column was published on the day of his death), contributing to radio programs, and commentating for various sports outlets.
- Based on his career achievements and various income streams, Feinstein’s estimated net worth at the time of his death was between $8-12 million, built primarily through his writing, media appearances, and teaching rather than through endorsements or business ventures.
John Feinstein established himself as one of the most influential sportswriters of his generation.
Born on July 28, 1955, to a Jewish family in New York City, Feinstein’s journey in sports journalism began shortly after graduating from Duke University in 1977.
His father’s background in the arts—serving as the General Manager of the Washington National Opera and the first executive director of the Kennedy Center—may have instilled in him an appreciation for storytelling that would define his career.
Feinstein’s breakthrough came with his 1986 book “A Season on the Brink,” which chronicled Indiana University’s basketball team under coach Bobby Knight.
The book became an immediate sensation, debuting at No. 1 on the New York Times Best Seller list and setting records as the best-selling sports book of its time.
Its success was so profound that ESPN later adapted it into their first-ever television film in 2002.
Throughout his illustrious career, Feinstein authored 44 books, with 23 of them making the New York Times bestseller list.
His 1995 work “A Good Walk Spoiled,” which followed a year on the PGA Tour, also reached the No. 1 spot.
He didn’t limit himself to adult audiences; Feinstein created a popular sports-mystery series for young adults featuring characters Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson reporting on major sporting events.
Beyond his success as an author, Feinstein maintained a steady presence in various media.
He worked as a columnist for The Washington Post, with his final piece on Michigan State coach Tom Izzo published on March 13, 2025—the day of his death.
His media portfolio included regular contributions to SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio, CBS Sports Radio, The Golf Channel, and National Public Radio.
He also served as a commentator for United States Naval Academy football games.
Feinstein’s brilliance in sports journalism earned him prestigious accolades, including the Basketball Hall of Fame’s Curt Gowdy Media Award in 2013 and induction into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame.
His work remained relevant until the end, with his milestone 50th book, “The Ancient Eight,” about Ivy League football, published in 2024.
John Feinstein’s Net Worth Is Estimated To Be In The Millions
John Feinstein’s financial success stemmed directly from his prolific output and diverse media presence over a career spanning nearly five decades.
While celebrity net worth figures are often speculative, we can make informed estimates based on his various revenue streams.
The cornerstone of Feinstein’s wealth came from his impressive bibliography.
With 44 books published over his lifetime—including multiple number-one bestsellers—royalty income likely formed a substantial portion of his assets.
“A Season on the Brink” alone spent 17 weeks at No. 1 on the Times’ bestsellers list, generating significant and ongoing royalties throughout his life.
His media work provided another steady income stream. As a regular columnist for The Washington Post, contributor to Golf Digest, and commentator across multiple radio and television platforms, Feinstein maintained diverse income sources beyond book sales.
His radio programs on SiriusXM and CBS Sports Radio would have added considerably to his annual earnings.
Speaking engagements and teaching opportunities, like his position at Longwood University announced in November 2024, where he served as both a broadcaster and teacher, likely supplemented his income in his later years.
Unlike some celebrities who leverage their fame for endorsement deals or business ventures, Feinstein appears to have focused primarily on his craft.
There’s no indication he maintained an extravagant lifestyle or made substantial investments outside his professional field, suggesting his wealth was built gradually through consistent work rather than speculative ventures.
Based on his career trajectory, ongoing publications, and media presence, John Feinstein’s net worth at the time of his death on March 13, 2025, is estimated to be between $8 million and $12 million.
This places him comfortably among successful authors and journalists, reflecting a career dedicated to sports storytelling that resonated with millions of readers and listeners across generations.
Feinstein is survived by his wife Christine, son Danny, daughters Brigid and Jayne, as well as his siblings Robert and Margaret.
His legacy extends beyond his financial success to his immeasurable contribution to sports journalism and literature.
Additional Information
- After his first marriage to Mary Clare Gibbons ended in divorce, Feinstein married Christine Bauch in 2010, and had a total of three children—two from his first marriage and one from his second.
- In November 2024, just months before his death, Feinstein joined Longwood University in Farmville as both a broadcaster for men’s basketball games on ESPN+ and as a co-teacher for a Cormier Honors College seminar focused on developing students’ non-fiction writing skills.
- According to his brother Robert, John Feinstein was known for his polarizing personality—people either loved him or hated him with equal intensity, a sentiment echoed by former Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski who called him “brilliant” despite recognizing his divisive nature.
