Every year, when March Madness rolls around, there’s one voice louder than the buzzers and a staple in households across the country. That voice belongs to none other than Jim Nantz. For 32 years, he was the heartbeat of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament on CBS, calling game after game. But this year is different.
Nantz is no longer behind the mic. He’s in the stands, soaking it all in as a fan. The man who bid farewell to Final Four broadcasting duties in 2023 is still very much part of the madness—just from a new seat. He was spotted cheering on his beloved Houston Cougars during their Elite Eight win and also made a surprise appearance at the Final Four at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Get to Know Courtney Richards, Jim Nantz’s Wife
Just as Nantz is busy showing up for his alma mater, the University of Houston, there’s someone who has been showing up for him. That someone is his wife, Courtney Richards. And she’s not just the woman standing beside one of sports broadcasting’s most iconic voices—she’s a big part of his journey.
Nantz and Richards have a story that would make any romantic swoon. The couple began dating in 2009. In September 2010, during a trip to Maine with George H.W. and Barbara Bush, Nantz popped the question.
Two years later, the couple said “I do” at Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. And it was no ordinary wedding. Guests included Phil Mickelson, Tom Brady, Robert Kraft, and CBS’s Sean McManus and Phil Simms.
Nantz and Richards have two children: a daughter, Finley, and a son, Jameson. Finley’s name is a subtle tribute to Samuel Finley Brown Morse, the founder of Pebble Beach. Before marrying Richards, Nantz was married to Lorrie Carlsen for 26 years. They have a daughter, Caroline.
With Richards, Nantz has entered a new chapter—one marked by change and cross-country moves. The couple once lived in a picturesque home overlooking Pebble Beach, a property Nantz purchased before their wedding with plans to move in on their big night. But life shifted, and so did their plans.
In 2021, Nantz and Richards relocated to Nashville to be closer to family when he’s not traveling for work. Richards isn’t just a supportive partner—she’s a collaborator.
When Nantz launched his golfwear line with Vineyard Vines, Richards was involved in the venture from the start. And while she leads a largely private life, she often accompanies the broadcasting legend to events.
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So, who is Courtney Richards? She’s the woman behind Jim Nantz’s unmistakable voice—and an essential part of his story.
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