What Is Michael Buffer's Net Worth?
Michael Buffer, an American boxing announcer and entrepreneur, boasts a net worth of $400 million. He is renowned for being one of the greatest announcers in boxing and wrestling. Buffer's fame skyrocketed with his iconic catchphrase, "Let's Get Ready to Rumble," trademarked for substantial royalties, significantly boosting his wealth.
Beyond boxing, Buffer's distinctive voice and charisma have earned him roles in professional wrestling events, World Series baseball games, NBA Finals, and television shows and movies. His unique style has made him an indelible figure in sports entertainment.
How Much Does Michael Buffer Make to Say His Iconic Catchphrase?
Buffer earns between $25,000 and $100,000 each time he says "Let's Get Ready to Rumble." On rare occasions, he has been paid up to $1 million for a single event.
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Trademark and Video Game Earnings
In the early 1980s, a then 38-year-old Buffer had no experience in the boxing ring but was a fan of the sport. He recognized an opportunity to enhance the drama in sports announcing. By embellishing his resume, he secured his first announcing gig in 1982. Buffer's good looks and showmanship quickly made him popular. Within a year, he was the exclusive announcer for all ESPN-promoted boxing matches by Top Rank.
Feeling the need to stand out, Buffer experimented with catchphrases before settling on "Let's get ready to rumble," inspired by Muhammad Ali and Sal Marchiano. This catchphrase propelled him to further success. He was the exclusive announcer for all Trump-owned casino boxing matches and World Championship Wrestling main events until 2001.
Buffer's catchphrase appeared in numerous ad campaigns, TV shows, and movies, including "Rocky V," "Harlem Nights," and "Rocky Balboa." Recognizing its widespread use, Buffer, advised by his half-brother Bruce Buffer, decided to trademark his catchphrase. This simple yet brilliant decision has earned Michael hundreds of millions in licensing fees for songs, video games, movies, TV shows, and merchandise. One significant deal was with the video game "Ready to Rumble," for which Midway paid Buffer $100 million to license the phrase perpetually.
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Early Life
Michael Buffer was born on November 2, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Raised in Lancaster by foster parents, Michael served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After the war, he held various jobs, including car salesman and model, before breaking into sports announcing.
Boxing Announcer
Starting his career in 1982, Buffer became the face of boxing announcing for ESPN a year later. His catchphrase trademark, secured in 1992, was a game-changer. Buffer's work earned high praise from boxing legends, including Sugar Ray Leonard. Throughout his career, Buffer made $400 million from trademark licensing alone and served as the exclusive ring announcer for DAZN's boxing broadcasts.
Wrestling
Buffer was the exclusive announcer for World Championship Wrestling main events until 2001. Despite WCW's dissolution, Buffer continued to be the principal announcer for Time Warner's pay-per-view matches and HBO broadcasts. He later expanded to other wrestling promotions, including UFC.
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Other Ventures
Buffer has announced at MLB World Series, Stanley Cup Finals, NBA Finals, Volunteer 500, and NFL playoff games. He also participated in the 2008 World Series of Poker and was a guest announcer at the 2017 United States Grand Prix. Buffer creatively adapted his catchphrase for various campaigns, including Mega Millions and Progressive Insurance.
He made guest appearances on numerous talk shows hosted by David Letterman, Jay Leno, Arsenio Hall, Conan O'Brien, and Jimmy Kimmel. Buffer featured in films such as "Creed" and "Grudge Match," and TV series like "The Simpsons" and "Saturday Night Live." In 2019, he appeared in the remake of "Dumbo."
Personal Life
Michael Buffer was treated for throat cancer in 2008. His fame led to reconnecting with his estranged family, including his half-brother Bruce Buffer, now a UFC announcer.
Buffer married at age 21, but the marriage ended in divorce seven years later, producing two sons, Michael and Matthew. He remarried in 1999 and divorced in 2003. During a "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" appearance, he proposed to his third wife, Christine. They currently reside in Southern California.
