Casting a long shadow over Boston sports media is Tony Massarotti. What people want to know is how much his 98.5 The Sports Hub contract is worth, and most importantly, what his worth is going to be in 2025. In this article, we dig into his career, his deal terms, and how he built wealth across radio, print, and television.
Read on for detailed information and insider context around Tony Massarotti – 98.5 The Sports Hub Contract, Net Worth, and Detailed Information.
Tony Massarotti’s Role at 98.5 The Sports Hub
Tony Massarotti wears many hats at 98.5 The Sports Hub. As co‑host of Felger & Mazz, he helps drive the station’s identity in the Boston sports radio scene.
His knowledge of local sports coverage and daily presence make him a pillar of WBZ‑FM’s sports talk radio brand. Over time, he’s become more than a host: he serves as a key voice in shaping how Boston hears sports commentary and critique.
He blends sharp opinion with insider access. He is among the world’s most trusted voices in the breaking stories about the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots. The more famous he becomes, the more valuable his show and Beasley Media Group, owner of 98.5 The Sports Hub, becomes.
Show Format and Responsibilities
On Felger & Mazz, Massarotti doesn’t just sit behind a mic and react. He helps design the show’s structure each afternoon. From selecting topics to prepping interviews with athletes and front office figures, he plays an active role in curation.
The show runs during afternoon‑drive radio hours, giving local sports fans their daily dose of analysis, debate, and commentary.
During baseball season, Tony also hosts The Baseball Hour, where he delves into MLB analysis and Red Sox coverage more deeply. That segment adds depth to his role in sports broadcasting, allowing him to showcase expertise rather than just banter.
Partnership with Michael Felger
The pairing of Tony Massarotti and Michael Felger forms the core of the station’s most powerful show. Their chemistry—equal parts conflict and respect—drives listener engagement.
Felger brings the bite, Tony brings the informed edge. That balance has become essential to their brand identity in Boston sports media.
They both have roots in print journalism: Felger from the Boston Herald, Tony from the Boston Globe and Herald. Their shared experiences anchor their debates in a deeper understanding of the sports ecosystem. Together, they lifted Felger & Mazz into dominance in radio ratings for decades.
Audience and Ratings Impact
Over many rating cycles, Felger & Mazz has dominated the target demo (men 25–54) in the Boston market. Since 2012, the show has often ranked first in its time block.
That consistent success underlines how Tony’s contributions fuel strong listener loyalty. His mix of personality, analysis, and local perspective helps maintain high audience numbers.
The impact shows beyond mere ratings. Advertisers flock to that audience. Other media outlets often quote or push back on their takes. That influence cements Tony’s status as a top radio personality in New England sports.
Contract Details and Compensation Package
Current Contract Status
Tony is under a multi‑year contract extension with Beasley Media that keeps him locked into his role at 98.5 The Sports Hub. Though the station rarely discloses exact figures, insiders say they extended both he and Felger to maintain the show’s stability. The commitment underscores their central role in the station’s success.
Reported Contract Terms
No public document reveals his base salary or bonuses. However, media analysts estimate that a show of his stature commands six‑ or seven‑figure compensation.
His contract likely includes ratings incentives and performance clauses. Because contests for top radio talent are fierce, Beasley would structure perks—perhaps including equity, appearance fees, or benefit enhancements—to retain him long-term.
Compensation Structure
Tony’s pay structure probably mixes base salary, bonus incentives, and secondary revenue sources. He may receive extra pay tied to radio ratings milestones or ad revenue splits.
Endorsements, paid appearances, and side media roles (television or sports publishing) might also contribute. The combination of on‑air salary plus ancillary revenue likely forms the bulk of his compensation.
Tony Massarotti Net Worth Analysis
Estimated Net Worth and Financial Success
While Tony has not publicly disclosed his net worth, industry observers place it in the $5 million to $7 million range. Some estimates go higher, acknowledging his diversified income from books, broadcasting, and radio.
That figure matches peers in elite sports commentary roles in major markets. His net worth reflects not just earnings but longevity and brand leverage in Boston sports media.
Income Sources Over the Years
Tony’s revenue streams include:
- Radio salary from Felger & Mazz
- Book royalties from works co-authored with figures like David Ortiz
- Television commentary (he served as a color commentator for Red Sox games via NESN)
- Newspaper and digital columns with the Boston Herald, The Boston Globe, and Boston.com
- Paid appearances, guest roles, and endorsements
Over the decades, this diversification helped him reduce dependency on any single source and build a stable net worth.
Income Streams Compared
| Income Source | Likely Contribution |
| Radio salary & bonuses | Core stable earnings |
| Book royalties | Secondary but steady |
| TV commentary | Seasonal bump |
| Columns / digital media | Supplemental |
| Appearances & endorsements | Opportunistic income |
Broadcasting and Media Career
Career Beginnings and Development
Tony started as an intern at the Boston Herald in 1989. He covered the Red Sox beat from 1994 to 2008, earning recognition for his reporting style.
In 2008, he moved to The Boston Globe, writing columns and managing digital content on Boston.com. In 2009, he joined 98.5 The Sports Hub and launched Felger & Mazz with Felger, cementing his shift from print to full‑time sports broadcasting.
Career Timeline
| Year | Role / Milestone | Notes |
| 1989 | Intern at Boston Herald | Began journalism career |
| 1994 | Red Sox beat writer for the Herald | Covered pivotal Boston seasons |
| 2008 | Moves to the Boston Globe | Columnist & online content |
| 2009 | Launches Felger & Mazz | Joins 98.5 The Sports Hub |
| 2022 | NESN color commentator | Added TV role in baseball broadcasts |
Key Milestones in Sports Journalism
His move from reporter to columnist added voice and personality to his career. Winning the Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year in both 2000 and 2008 confirmed peer recognition.
Launching a top radio show that later won a Marconi Award (Major Market Personality) marked a high point. In 2022, he took on color commentator duties for Red Sox coverage on NESN, bridging radio and TV influence.
Major Achievements and Awards
- Twice, Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year
- Along with Felger, he won the NAB Marconi Award
- Authored several successful sports books, including Big Papi with David Ortiz
- Recognized as a top sports columnist and media voice across New England
These honors reflect not just popularity but impact in sports journalism.
Contributions to Boston Sports Media
Impact on the RTS Community
Tony’s voice often shapes Boston fan discourse. His debates become memes, his opinions echo in local blogs, and his social media presence sparks dialogue.
He’s also mentored younger voices and injected credibility into sports talk radio in New England. His role in the ecosystem of local sports coverage makes him part of the city’s sports fabric.
Connections with Boston Red Sox Coverage
Given his deep involvement with Red Sox reporting, Tony often delivers insider stories about roster moves, front office decisions, and players.
His relationships with sources inside the Red Sox organization grant him access that other commentators lack. During key seasons, his coverage has influenced fan expectations and media narratives on Red Sox coverage.
Radio and Television Projects
Notable Shows and Segments
His flagship show, Felger & Mazz, dominates afternoons. Another platform is The Baseball Hour, focused on MLB analysis during the season. These platforms allow him to shift between big picture commentary and micro breakdowns of games, trades, and player arcs.
When the station airs Red Sox games, his commentary often appears in rotation segments, tying radio presence to live coverage.
Collaboration with Other Media Outlets
Massarotti appears frequently on NESN, contributing as a studio analyst or game commentator in live broadcasts. He’s been a guest on Boston television and national outlets.
His printed work connects him to the Boston Herald and The Boston Globe. These cross‑platform collaborations strengthen his brand and widen his reach beyond radio.
Writing and Publishing Work
Books and Major Publications
Tony co-authored Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits with David Ortiz, Knuckler with Tim Wakefield, and Dynasty, among others.
His books tackle player journeys, team histories, and Boston’s sports culture. Book sales and book royalties remain a meaningful income stream, complementing his broadcasting work.
Boston Herald and Globe Columns
Before he became a full-time radio personality, Tony was a major figure in print. For nearly two decades, he wrote columns and beat reporting for the Boston Herald and later The Boston Globe.
His pieces often revealed relationships between front offices, media outlets, and fans. That background helped him build credibility before transitioning fully to sports commentary.
Influence as an Author
His writing has shaped public opinion on key Boston sports debates. Authors and journalists in the region quote his books and columns. He’s been invited to panels and book events, giving him influence in both journalism and sports publishing spheres.
Personal Life and Background
Education and Early Interests
Tony was born in Waltham, Massachusetts, and attended Waltham High School before earning a degree in English and Classics at Tufts University.
He majored in writing, which laid the foundation for his career as a sports columnist. From early on, he loved baseball, which set him on the path to cover the Red Sox.
Family and Personal Relationships
Tony is married with two sons. He tends to keep family life private. In interviews, he has mentioned balancing work and home and the emotional weight of public scrutiny. His background in Massachusetts anchors him in regional identity, making him resonate with local audiences.
Notable Events and Public Recognition
Tony has been recognized in alumni events, local honors, and media panels. His book This Is Our City sparked community discussions about Boston’s sports identity. That kind of recognition cements him not just as a commentator but as a chronicler of Boston’s rise in New England sports.
Suspension and Media Coverage
In early 2023, Tony was suspended by Beasley Media Group for controversy in broadcasting after making racially insensitive remarks during a Felger & Mazz broadcast. He apologized on air, calling his words “hurtful and insensitive,” and acknowledging they “hurt the cause” of equality.
The company mandated training for all on-air staff. That episode remains a stain in his public record, but it also demonstrates how broadcasters must balance personality with responsibility in sports broadcasting.
Involvement with Major Games
Connections with Boston Teams and Figures
Tony often appears on-site at playoff games, captures locker room vibes, and interviews coaches and players. His presence during Boston sports culture events gives him credibility. He has built relationships with insiders across the Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, and especially the Red Sox.
Boston Red Sox Collaborations
In 2022, Tony joined NESN as a color commentator, providing live analysis of Red Sox games. That elevated his role from radio to TV, showing fans a different dimension of his knowledge. He also interviews former Red Sox stars like David Ortiz, connecting fans to iconic voices.
Coverage of the Celtics and Patriots
Though best known for baseball, Tony doesn’t shy from football and basketball topics. He weighs in on Patriots trades, coaching decisions, and Celtics playoff runs. His willingness to cross sports adds to his relevance in Boston sports media and helps sustain audience interest even outside baseball season.
Fix with AI: Suggested Future Enhancements
Tony could leverage AI tools to deepen fan interaction, for example:
- Use predictive data models to preview player performance
- Allow fans to send questions that get AI‑summarized and answered live
- Apply sentiment analysis to listener feedback to adjust show pacing
- Develop AI‑driven highlight reels to accompany sports commentary
These innovations could help Tony stay fresh in a changing media landscape.
🆕 New / Lesser‑Known Insights About Tony Massarotti
Health‑Related Absence & Impact on NESN Role
In early 2023, Tony publicly revealed he had a health issue that caused unexpected absences from Felger & Mazz. He said NESN did not invite him back for the following season as an analyst, treating his 2022 role more as a trial.
This indicates that his broadcast career, especially on the television side, might pivot based on health and network decisions.
Breaking the TV Analyst Mold
When NESN tapped him as a color commentator, many analysts noted that he doesn’t fit the usual mold of ex‑player turned analyst. His journalistic background and vocal style gave him a fresh angle.
One commentator even said, “He offers perspectives that often echo what a fan feels and what a fan thinks” — something typical ex‑player analysts might miss. That contrast was both praised and questioned in media circles.
Longest Run in Afternoon Drive (Felger & Mazz Ratings Streak)
Felger & Mazz have held the top spot in afternoon ratings in Boston for 47 consecutive rating periods as of 2024. Such consistency is rare in markets with heavy competition (WEEI, other sports radio). This streak underscores how central Tony’s role is to radio ratings stability in Boston sports media.
Final Thoughts
Tony Massarotti has built a rare media career bridging print, radio, and television. His role at 98.5 The Sports Hub and his multi‑platform presence make him a linchpin in Boston sports media.
Though details of his contract extension and income remain largely private, his net worth reflects years of maximizing opportunity. His controversies remind us that public voices carry weight. Going forward, embracing new tools and guarding integrity will be critical for his next chapter.
FAQs
What is Tony Massarotti’s net worth?
Estimates place his net worth between $5 million and $7 million, given decades in media and book deals.
Is Tony still under contract with 98.5?
Yes. He holds a multi‑year contract extension with Beasley Media as of the latest reports.
Has he ever worked in television?
Yes. He served as a color commentator for Red Sox broadcasts on NESN in 2022.
What controversy has he faced?
He was suspended in 2023 over racially insensitive remarks on Felger & Mazz, and later apologized publicly.
Where did Tony go to school?
He studied English and Classics at Tufts University and grew up in Waltham, Massachusetts.
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