12 Noon (ET) SportsCenter Co-Host Sage Steele Maintains Private and Amicable Child Custody Arrangement Following Her 2019 Divorce

Even after marrying Dave Barbuto in 2026, Steele’s focus remains on providing a nurturing environment for her three children.

November 23, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on November 20, 2026

After divorcing Jonathan Bailey, Sage Steele continues to focus on her children through a stable child custody agreement.

Sage Marie Steele, born November 28, 1972, has built a remarkable career as an American television anchor and sports broadcaster.

She rose to prominence as a co-host of the 12 noon (ET) edition of SportsCenter on ESPN and hosted SportsCenter on the Road, covering marquee sporting events such as the Super Bowl and The Masters.

Steele also anchored NBA Countdown on ESPN and ABC for four seasons, concluding her run in 2017, and contributed to other ESPN programs, including First Take, Mike & Mike in the Morning, and SportsNation. Notably, she covered every NBA Finals from 2012 to 2026.

Steele’s broadcasting journey began in local news, reporting for WSBT-TV in South Bend, Indiana, WISH-TV in Indianapolis, and WFTS in Tampa, Florida.

In 2001, she joined Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic as an anchor and reporter before making her ESPN debut in 2007.

Over the years, Steele expanded her repertoire by hosting events such as the Miss America pageant, the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and guest appearances on The View.

After a high-profile suspension and subsequent lawsuit with ESPN, she transitioned to podcasting in 2026, joining Bill Maher’s Club Random Studios, and also lent her voice to the animated series Mr. Birchum.

Across decades, Steele has become known not only for her sports journalism but also for her advocacy, professionalism, and resilience in navigating public controversies.

Sage Steele Balances Career and Motherhood While Preserving a Private Child Custody Arrangement

Sage Steele’s personal life, particularly her role as a mother, has remained largely private, though some details about her child custody situation are public.

Steele Jonathan Bailey in 1999, and the couple had three children: daughters Quinn (born 2002) and Evan (born 2006), and son Nicholas (born around 2004).

After twenty years of marriage, Steele and Bailey divorced in 2019, filing in Hartford County, Connecticut.

Following their divorce, Steele and Bailey have maintained an amicable co-parenting arrangement.

Sage Steele with her son and two daughters (Source: People)

While the exact terms of their custody agreement have not been disclosed publicly, reports indicate that both parents continue to share responsibilities for their children and prioritize their well-being.

Steele retained most of the couple’s assets and property but reportedly provided a lump sum for alimony and child support, though specific figures remain confidential.

Steele has consistently kept her children out of the public eye, focusing instead on her career and personal growth.

She has spoken about the challenges of balancing motherhood with professional demands, describing her divorce as one of the most difficult periods of her life.

In 2026, Steele Dave Barbuto, but there is no public information suggesting changes to her custody arrangement.

Overall, her approach to co-parenting appears private, stable, and centered on the best interests of her children.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Sage Steele’s father, Gary Steele, was the first Black varsity football player at West Point and retired as a colonel after a 23-year Army career.

• She served on the boards of the Pat Tillman Foundation and the V Foundation for cancer research.

• Steele drove the pace car for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Brickyard 400 and was lightly bumped by Jimmie Johnson during the pace laps.

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