Jason Benetti – FOX Announces New Broadcasting Role Starting Fall 2025

Jason Benetti has become one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting, especially after joining FOX Sports in 2022. The celebrated play-by-play announcer now contributes to FOX’s extensive live sports coverage, including college football and MLB broadcasts. Benetti’s career reached a significant milestone when FOX selected him to open the MLB season broadcast in early 2023, showcasing the network’s confidence in his exceptional broadcasting talents.

Before his FOX career, Benetti was known for his work with ESPN on their “StatCast” telecasts and as the voice of the Chicago White Sox. His distinct broadcasting style combines deep analytical knowledge with an engaging personality that resonates with viewers. Recently, Benetti has expanded his role at FOX, even stepping in for NFL broadcasts alongside Greg Olsen when scheduling changes required adjustments to the network’s broadcasting lineup.

Early Life and Education

Jason Benetti’s journey from Illinois to broadcasting success was shaped by his academic pursuits and early life challenges. His multifaceted education and personal experiences with cerebral palsy laid the foundation for his remarkable career.

Syracuse University and Law School

Benetti’s academic journey began at Syracuse University, where he immersed himself in multiple disciplines. He graduated in 2005 with an impressive triple major – earning bachelor’s degrees in broadcast journalism, economics, and psychology.

Not content with just undergraduate education, Benetti continued his academic pursuits. He went on to earn his J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. This legal background provided him with a unique perspective and analytical skills that would later benefit his broadcasting career.

His time at Syracuse served as the launching pad for his broadcasting career, giving him the fundamental skills in communication and analysis that would become his trademark in sports commentary.

Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy

Benetti was born 10 weeks premature and spent his first three months in the hospital. As a toddler, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition that would become part of his identity but never define or limit his ambitions.

Growing up in a Chicago suburb, Benetti developed his love for baseball early. Both of his parents were White Sox fans, which influenced his own passion for the team and the sport.

His experience with cerebral palsy has made Benetti an inspiration to many. Rather than seeing his condition as an obstacle, he has embraced it as part of his journey. His success in the highly visible field of sports broadcasting has helped change perceptions about people with disabilities.

Broadcasting Career Beginnings

Jason Benetti’s journey into broadcasting started early, showing his natural talent and determination that would later make him a distinctive voice in sports commentary. His path from high school broadcasting to professional roles demonstrates his passion for calling games.

High School Radio Station

Benetti didn’t wait for college to begin his broadcasting career. He began honing his broadcasting skills early, calling football games for his high school radio station. This early start gave him valuable experience behind the microphone when most of his peers were still figuring out their future paths.

These formative years shaped his distinctive announcing style. While dealing with cerebral palsy, Benetti never let his condition define his ambitions in the broadcasting booth. Instead, he used these early opportunities to develop the precise, articulate delivery that would later become his trademark.

Time Warner Cable Sports and Syracuse Chiefs

After college, Benetti secured a position with Time Warner Cable Sports, where he further refined his play-by-play abilities. This role provided the professional foundation he needed to advance his broadcasting career.

His work with the Syracuse Chiefs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, represented a significant step forward. During this period, Benetti called baseball games with remarkable attention to detail and storytelling ability.

The Chiefs experience proved invaluable, as Benetti developed his baseball vocabulary and timing. His work in the minor leagues showcased his ability to make even routine plays sound compelling. This skill would later catch the attention of major networks and MLB teams looking for fresh broadcasting talent.

Career with Chicago White Sox

Jason Benetti’s tenure with the Chicago White Sox spanned from 2016 to 2023, establishing him as one of baseball’s most distinctive and respected voices. His time with the organization was marked by his analytical approach, genuine enthusiasm, and unique ability to connect with the audience.

Joining the Organization

Benetti joined the White Sox television broadcasts in 2016, initially splitting duties with longtime announcer Ken “Hawk” Harrelson. The Chicago native took on home games while Harrelson handled road games. This arrangement continued until 2019 when Benetti assumed the full-time role after Harrelson’s retirement.

The White Sox job represented a homecoming for Benetti, who grew up in the Chicago area. His local ties and genuine passion for the team resonated immediately with viewers.

His hiring reflected the organization’s shift toward a more analytical broadcast style, moving away from the unabashed homerism that characterized the Harrelson era.

Dynamics with Steve Stone

Benetti’s partnership with color analyst Steve Stone quickly developed into one of baseball’s most respected broadcasting duos. Their chemistry was apparent from the beginning, blending Stone’s pitching expertise with Benetti’s preparation and wit.

The pair complemented each other perfectly. Stone provided the deep baseball insights from his playing career, while Benetti brought statistical context and conversational flow to their broadcasts.

Their broadcasts from Guaranteed Rate Field became known for educational content without sacrificing entertainment. They expertly balanced analytical discussion with storytelling, keeping fans engaged through both winning stretches and rebuilding periods.

What set their partnership apart was mutual respect and willingness to let conversations evolve naturally during games.

Fan Reception and Influence

White Sox fans embraced Benetti immediately, appreciating his preparation and genuine love for the team without crossing into homer territory. His ability to remain professional while clearly caring about the club’s performance struck the perfect balance.

Benetti’s influence extended beyond just calling games. He became a beloved figure in Chicago sports media, representing the club at community events and connecting with fans on social media.

His broadcasts were characterized by emotional intelligence. Benetti understood when to elevate big moments with excitement and when to let the game breathe during routine play.

The respect Benetti earned from White Sox fans was reflected in their disappointment when he departed for the Detroit Tigers in 2024. Many considered his leaving a significant loss for the organization’s public presence.

Expanding Career Horizons

Jason Benetti has transformed from a regional voice to a national broadcasting powerhouse with remarkable versatility across multiple sports and networks. His impressive career trajectory reflects both his talent behind the microphone and his ability to connect with audiences regardless of the sporting event.

NFL and College Football Commentary

Benetti’s expansion into football broadcasting has been nothing short of impressive. He quickly established himself as a respected voice in college football at ESPN, where his detailed preparation and ability to mix analysis with compelling storytelling set him apart from his peers.

In recent years, FOX Sports tapped Benetti for NFL coverage, adding another major professional league to his resume. His football commentary style features precise diction and an uncanny ability to anticipate plays before they develop.

What makes Benetti’s football work special is how he balances technical analysis with accessibility for casual fans. He never talks down to viewers but instead elevates their understanding through clear explanations of complex strategies.

Major League Baseball Roles

Benetti’s baseball broadcasting career reached new heights when he joined FOX Sports’ MLB team. For the 2025 season, he partnered with analyst A.J. Pierzynski for Game 1 of the Tokyo Series featuring the defending World Series champions.

After years with the Chicago White Sox, Benetti made a significant move to become the television play-by-play voice for the Detroit Tigers. This career shift demonstrated his growing stature in baseball broadcasting circles.

His baseball commentary style combines statistical insights with rich storytelling. Benetti’s preparation is legendary among colleagues, often researching obscure facts and historical references that add depth to broadcasts.

MLB Broadcasting Roles	Years	Network/Team
Chicago White Sox	2016-2023	NBC Sports Chicago
Detroit Tigers	2024-Present	Regional Network
National MLB Games	2022-Present	FOX Sports
Olympic Baseball	2021	NBC/Peacock

Involvement with Basketball

Basketball represents another significant chapter in Benetti’s broadcasting portfolio. His work calling NBA games has showcased his adaptability to the faster pace of basketball compared to baseball.

During college basketball season, Benetti has been a fixture on ESPN broadcasts, handling both major conference matchups and tournament games with equal enthusiasm. His chemistry with color analysts creates an engaging viewing experience.

The Olympics provided another basketball showcase for Benetti when he joined NBC’s coverage team. His ability to quickly learn international players’ backgrounds and playing styles impressed viewers unfamiliar with his work.

Benetti’s basketball commentary is marked by its energy and rhythm that mirrors the game itself. He understands when to raise his voice during critical moments and when to step back and let the game’s natural excitement speak for itself.

Partnerships and Media Presence

Jason Benetti has built an impressive network of collaborations across major sports networks while establishing a distinctive voice both in sports and other media ventures.

NBC Sports Chicago and Fox Collaboration

Benetti’s career trajectory showcases his versatility across multiple broadcasting platforms. He joined FOX Sports in 2022, contributing to college football, college basketball, and MLB coverage. This move came after his successful tenure with NBC Sports Chicago.

Before joining Fox, Benetti had become a familiar voice to Chicago White Sox fans through his work at NBC Sports Chicago. His transition between networks demonstrated his growing reputation in sports broadcasting.

At Fox, Benetti quickly established himself as a reliable play-by-play announcer. For the recent MLB Tokyo Series, he and A.J. Pierzynski called games remotely, showcasing Fox’s innovative approach to international broadcasts.

Voice Work Beyond Sports

Benetti’s distinctive commentary style has opened doors beyond traditional sports broadcasting. While primarily known for his baseball work, he has expanded his repertoire significantly.

His voice talents extend to multiple sports across different networks. At ESPN, he covered college basketball and football, before moving to Fox where he handles national MLB games and NFL broadcasts.

Benetti has also leveraged his media presence to advocate for disability awareness. Born with cerebral palsy, he has used his platform to discuss representation in media. He appeared on “Rabbi On The Sidelines” to speak about his experiences in broadcasting with a disability.

In November 2023, Benetti joined Bally Sports Detroit as the primary television announcer for the Detroit Tigers, further expanding his professional portfolio.

Personal Development and Advocacy

Jason Benetti’s journey extends far beyond the broadcast booth, encompassing both academic achievements and meaningful advocacy work that has impacted countless lives.

J.D. from Wake Forest School of Law

While building his broadcasting career, Benetti demonstrated remarkable determination by simultaneously pursuing legal education. He earned his J.D. from Wake Forest School of Law, balancing the demands of law school with his emerging sportscasting career.

This legal background has given Benetti a unique perspective when analyzing sports issues on air. His ability to understand contracts, labor disputes, and the legal aspects of sports has added depth to his commentary.

The law degree wasn’t just an academic pursuit—it represented Benetti’s commitment to having options and refusing to let his physical challenges define his potential career paths.

His Wake Forest experience also helped shape his precise, analytical approach to broadcasting that fans appreciate today.

Cerebral Palsy Foundation Support

Benetti has transformed his personal experience with cerebral palsy into powerful advocacy that’s changing perceptions nationwide. He serves as a prominent supporter of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, using his platform to increase awareness and understanding.

His work with the foundation includes the “Awkward Moments” campaign, where he directly addressed uncomfortable social interactions people with disabilities often face. These authentic conversations have helped educate the public about respectful interaction.

Despite his relentless schedule of travel and game preparation, Benetti consistently makes time for advocacy appearances and speaking engagements.

His message consistently emphasizes seeing the person rather than the disability—something he’s experienced firsthand as he’s risen to prominence in sports broadcasting.

Contracts and Tenureship

Jason Benetti has built a remarkable broadcasting career through strategic contractual relationships with major networks and teams. His professional journey includes significant tenures with both the Chicago White Sox and FOX Sports.

Multi-Year Contract with FOX

Jason Benetti signed with FOX Sports on a substantial multi-year contract that established him as a premier voice in sports broadcasting. The deal reportedly positions him among the network’s top tier of talent.

His FOX agreement allows him to call college football, college basketball, and MLB games – showcasing his versatility across multiple sports. The contract, believed to be valued in the mid-six figures annually, represents a significant career advancement.

Benetti’s agreement with FOX includes provisions for playoff baseball assignments and select prime-time broadcasts. This strategic move expanded his national visibility while maintaining flexibility for his regional work.

Benetti’s FOX Contract Details
Duration	Multi-year
Est. Annual Value	$500,000+
Sports Coverage	MLB, CFB, CBB

White Sox Broadcasting Longevity

Before joining the Detroit Tigers in 2023, Benetti cultivated an impressive eight-season run with the Chicago White Sox. His tenure with the White Sox (2016-2023) established him as one of baseball’s most recognizable voices.

During his White Sox years, Benetti called approximately 120-130 games per season while balancing his network commitments. His White Sox contract reportedly paid between $200,000-$300,000 annually toward the end of his tenure.

Benetti’s relationship with the White Sox organization was particularly notable for its flexibility. The team accommodated his growing national profile, allowing him to miss games for network assignments.

The arrangement worked exceptionally well until scheduling conflicts became too frequent, eventually leading to his departure from the White Sox to join the Tigers on another multi-year deal in November 2023.

Contemporary and Future Endeavors

Jason Benetti continues to elevate sports broadcasting through his distinctive voice and approach. His career trajectory shows a commitment to innovation while maintaining the authentic connection fans crave during live sports coverage.

Broadcast Journalism Achievements

Benetti joined FOX Sports in 2022, marking a significant expansion of his national broadcasting portfolio. This move followed his already impressive work with ESPN networks, including ESPN3 and ESPNU, where he built his reputation for insightful commentary.

His versatility remains remarkable. Benetti seamlessly transitions between MLB, college football, and basketball assignments, bringing the same preparation and energy to each broadcast.

What separates Benetti is his ability to blend statistical analysis with storytelling. He doesn’t just call games—he contextualizes them.

Network	Sports Covered	Years Active
FOX Sports	College Football, MLB	2022-Present
ESPN Networks	College Sports, MLB	2011-2022
Westwood One Radio	NCAA Tournament	2011-Present

Shaping Live Sports Narration

Benetti’s approach to live sports broadcasting centers on authenticity and preparation. He doesn’t rely on catchphrases but instead brings genuine enthusiasm that resonates with viewers.

His work as the Detroit Tigers’ TV play-by-play announcer showcases his ability to connect with local fanbases while maintaining national assignments. This dual presence helps him bring broader context to regional broadcasts.

Benetti’s influence extends beyond the booth. Young broadcasters study his technique of conveying excitement without overwhelming the moment.

His preparation is legendary among colleagues. Each broadcast features meticulously researched nuggets that enhance the viewing experience without distracting from the action.