Elise Menaker has become one of the most recognizable voices in Chicago sports broadcasting, known for her work with Marquee Sports Network and Big Ten Network. As her profile has grown alongside the Chicago Cubs, so has public curiosity about the woman behind the microphone. Is Elise Menaker married? How old is she? What is her net worth? This article answers every major question fans are searching for, using verified career details, public statements, and the most current information available in 2026.
Whether you found her calling a Cubs broadcast, hosting a Big Ten Network pregame show, or scrolling through her Instagram, this guide covers her personal life, dating history, family background, education, career milestones, and earnings in one place.
Elise Menaker Wikipedia
Elise Menaker does not currently have an official Wikipedia biography page, which is fairly common for regional sports broadcasters who have not yet reached national household name status. That gap is exactly why fans turn to independent profiles like this one for a reliable, well-researched snapshot of her life and career.
Here is a quick reference table covering her key details:
| Category | Details |
| Full name | Elise Lauren Menaker |
| Profession | Sports host, reporter, television and radio analyst |
| Known for | Chicago Cubs coverage on Marquee Sports Network, Big Ten Network |
| Birthday | October 26 |
| Hometown | Wilmette, Illinois |
| College | Cornell University (Communication) |
| Graduate school | Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University |
| Marital status | Not publicly married |
| Net worth | Estimated around 1 million dollars |
Who Is Elise Menaker?
Elise Menaker is an American sports broadcaster and former collegiate softball standout who transitioned from the diamond to the broadcast booth. She currently works as a reporter, studio host, and game analyst for Marquee Sports Network, the exclusive home of Chicago Cubs baseball, and continues her long running role with Big Ten Network as a studio host, sideline reporter, and softball analyst.
Before her media career, Menaker was a four-year starter at third base for the Cornell Big Red softball team, where she earned three first-team All-Ivy League honors and later played professional softball in Sweden. That athletic background gives her broadcasting a distinct edge, since she analyzes the game from the perspective of someone who has actually played competitive softball at a high level.
Menaker built her reputation the traditional way, working smaller regional television markets before landing at major networks. Her path included stops at ABC affiliate WLS-TV in Chicago, general assignment reporting in Missouri, an anchor role at WAND-TV in Illinois, and a sports anchor position at Today’s TMJ4 in Milwaukee. That grind through local news and sports desks is part of what fans and colleagues point to when describing her as a hardworking, well-prepared broadcaster.
Is Elise Menaker Married? Husband, Dating History, and Children
Elise Menaker is not publicly married as of 2026. She has kept her romantic life almost entirely out of the public eye, and there is no verified information confirming a husband, fiancé, or long-term partner. Unlike many broadcasters who share engagement announcements or wedding photos on social media, Menaker has chosen to keep that part of her life private, focusing her public content on her career, family, and Chicago Cubs coverage.
There is one small clue from her past. In 2015, during her time working in Milwaukee, she referenced a boyfriend on social media who had gifted her a Green Bay Packers snuggie to help her stay warm at the station. Beyond that older post, there has been no confirmed update on her relationship status, and she has not publicly discussed dating, an engagement, or a wedding since then.
Because Menaker has not shared any information about a spouse or children, there is currently no evidence that she has kids. As her career continues to gain national attention, it would not be surprising if fans see updates on her personal life in the future, but for now, everything about her romantic status remains speculation.
Family Background
Elise Menaker was born to parents Edward “Ed” Menaker and Pam Menaker. She grew up with two siblings, a younger brother named Mark and an older sister named Michelle. Her family has deep Chicago sports roots, and she has spoken about riding the L-train to Wrigley Field with relatives as a child, which helped shape her lifelong connection to the Cubs long before she ever covered the team professionally.
Family remains an important part of her public identity. She occasionally shares posts celebrating her parents and siblings, and her Cornell profile confirms the family structure that shaped her competitive, close-knit upbringing in Wilmette, Illinois.
How Old Is Elise Menaker? Age and Birthday
Elise Menaker celebrates her birthday on October 26. Her exact birth year has not been officially confirmed by Menaker herself, and different sources report conflicting details, so readers should treat any specific age listed online as an estimate rather than a verified fact. What is confirmed is her college timeline: she started at Cornell University in 2006 and graduated in 2010, which places her birth in the early to mid 1980s based on a typical college enrollment age.
Until Menaker or a verified outlet confirms her exact birth year, the safest and most accurate statement is that she was born on October 26 and is currently in her early to mid forties based on her known college graduation year.
Elise Menaker’s Height, Weight, and Body Measurements
Some fan and biography sites list Elise Menaker’s height at approximately 5 feet 4 inches, which would be consistent with her background as a third baseman rather than a taller defensive position player. However, Menaker has not personally confirmed exact height, weight, or body measurement figures through an official channel, so any numbers circulating online should be treated as unverified estimates rather than confirmed statistics. She has not publicly shared details about her weight, and there is no verified data on other body measurements.
What Is Elise Menaker’s Educational Background?
Education played a major role in shaping Elise Menaker’s broadcasting career, and her academic path is well documented and easy to verify.
- She attended New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, where she was a standout in both softball and tennis, earning all-conference and all-state recognition.
- She enrolled at Cornell University in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication in 2010.
- At Cornell, she was a third-team CoSIDA Academic All-American and a three-time first-team Academic All-District selection, proving she balanced elite athletics with strong academic performance.
- She later earned a Master of Science in Journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, one of the most respected journalism programs in the country.
- Menaker also trained in improv comedy at The Second City in Chicago, a background that has sharpened her quick wit and comfort speaking live during unscripted broadcast moments.
This combination of an Ivy League communication degree, a Medill journalism master’s degree, and improv training gives her a broadcasting toolkit that blends analytical sports knowledge with natural, entertaining delivery.
Elise Menaker’s Career
Elise Menaker’s rise in sports media did not happen overnight. She worked her way up through smaller markets before earning a spot with two major regional sports networks.
Early Sports Reporting
Menaker began her broadcasting career as a sports intern at ABC affiliate WLS-TV in Chicago, where she covered notable local sports moments early in her career. She then moved into general assignment reporting roles, including a stint at KMIZ-TV, before becoming an anchor and reporter at WAND-TV and NewsCenter17 in Illinois. From 2010 to 2015, she also worked as a sideline reporter, host, and contributor covering Illinois High School Association events. In 2015, she joined Today’s TMJ4 in Milwaukee as a sports anchor and reporter, building the on-camera experience that would eventually lead to her breakthrough with a Big Ten market network.
Big Ten Network and Marquee Sports Network
Menaker joined Big Ten Network in 2017, taking on roles as a studio host, football and basketball sideline reporter, and college softball game analyst, a natural fit given her Ivy League softball background. In February 2020, just before the network’s official launch, she joined Marquee Sports Network, the new exclusive broadcast home of the Chicago Cubs, as a field reporter and studio host producing feature content around the team.
By June 2021, she took on her first game analyst assignment for Marquee, serving as lead color analyst for a Triple-A Iowa Cubs broadcast alongside play-by-play announcer Alex Cohen. That appearance opened the door to bigger opportunities calling Major League games.
Pioneering Broadcasts and Emmy Win
Elise Menaker has reached several milestones that mark her as a trailblazer in baseball broadcasting.
- In 2022, she became the first woman to serve as a television analyst for a Chicago Cubs game.
- In 2023, she became the first woman to work as a radio analyst for a Cubs broadcast.
- In 2023, her feature show “Road to Wrigley” earned a Chicago and Midwest Regional Emmy Award, recognizing excellence in sports storytelling.
- On July 7, 2024, she took part in the first all-female broadcast team in Cubs history, joining play-by-play voice Beth Mowins and field reporter Taylor McGregor for the Cubs versus Angels game, a moment widely praised across the sports media industry.
These accomplishments have positioned Menaker as one of the most important female voices in modern baseball broadcasting, not just in Chicago but nationally.
What Is Elise Menaker’s Net Worth and Salary?
As of 2026, Elise Menaker’s net worth is estimated to be around 1 million dollars, though independent biography sites vary in their estimates, with some placing the figure between 500,000 and 1 million dollars. Her annual salary is commonly estimated at approximately 92,000 to 95,000 dollars, which aligns closely with typical compensation for experienced on-air talent at regional sports networks. It is worth noting that none of these figures come from an official statement by Menaker or her employers, so they should be treated as informed estimates rather than confirmed numbers.
Income Sources
Elise Menaker’s income is not limited to a single paycheck. Her earnings are believed to come from several sources tied to her broadcasting career.
- Dual on-air contracts with Marquee Sports Network and Big Ten Network
- Freelance hosting and reporting assignments
- Podcast appearances, including features like the Cubs Now podcast
- Speaking engagements at sports media events and Cornell alumni functions
- Occasional brand partnerships connected to Chicago sports
Her steady growth in visibility, particularly since becoming the first woman to serve as a Cubs television and radio analyst, suggests her earning potential is likely to keep climbing as her national profile expands.
Elise Menaker Social Media Presence
Elise Menaker maintains an active presence across major social platforms, where she shares career updates, Cubs coverage, and behind-the-scenes broadcast moments.
- Instagram: She describes herself as the first female Cubs TV and radio analyst and an Emmy award winner, and has built a loyal following of over 13,000 fans.
- X (formerly Twitter): Active under the handle EliseMenaker since 2010, she posts frequent Cubs roster updates, probable pitcher announcements, and game reactions to more than 15,000 followers.
- LinkedIn: Her professional profile highlights her career history, endorsements from colleagues, and her network within the sports broadcasting industry.
Fans looking for real-time Cubs updates and behind-the-scenes broadcast content typically follow her on X and Instagram, where she is most active.
Fast Facts About Elise Menaker
- Full name: Elise Lauren Menaker
- Birthday: October 26
- Hometown: Wilmette, Illinois
- High school: New Trier High School
- College: Cornell University, Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Graduate school: Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University
- Former sport: Softball, third base, Cornell Big Red
- Pro softball: Played professionally in Sweden
- Current employers: Marquee Sports Network and Big Ten Network
- Notable milestone: First woman to serve as a Cubs TV analyst (2022) and radio analyst (2023)
- Award: Chicago and Midwest Regional Emmy for “Road to Wrigley” (2023)
- Marital status: Not publicly married
- Estimated net worth: Around 1 million dollars
Conclusion
Elise Menaker’s story is a reminder that a career built on preparation, versatility, and quiet consistency can lead to industry-changing milestones. From her days as an All-Ivy League softball player at Cornell to becoming the first woman to analyze a Chicago Cubs game on both television and radio, she has carved out a lasting place in baseball broadcasting history. While her personal life, including her marital status, remains largely private, her professional achievements speak for themselves. As she continues building on her Emmy winning work and expanding her role with Marquee Sports Network and Big Ten Network, Elise Menaker is likely to remain a name Cubs fans and sports media followers keep watching closely in the years ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elise Menaker married?
No, Elise Menaker is not publicly married. She has not confirmed a husband, fiancé, or partner through any verified source.
How old is Elise Menaker?
Her exact birth year is not publicly confirmed, but her birthday is October 26, and her Cornell graduation timeline suggests she is in her early to mid forties.
What is Elise Menaker’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around 1 million dollars, built mainly through her broadcasting contracts and media appearances.
Where did Elise Menaker go to college?
She attended Cornell University for her undergraduate degree and later earned a master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
What team does Elise Menaker cover?
She covers the Chicago Cubs for Marquee Sports Network and also works with Big Ten Network as a host and analyst.
Did Elise Menaker play college sports?
Yes, she was a four-year starter at third base for the Cornell Big Red softball team and later played professionally in Sweden.
What award has Elise Menaker won?
Her feature show “Road to Wrigley” won a Chicago and Midwest Regional Emmy Award in 2023.
Does Elise Menaker have children?
There is no public information confirming that Elise Menaker has any children.
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