Sage Steele Speaks Out After Leaving ESPN: Shocking New Details on Free-Speech Battle

Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele, 52, said “I do” in Nashville over the weekend, tying the knot with business executive Dave Barbuto during a star-studded ceremony that blended country-chic style with Steele’s trademark sports-world flair. A Southern-style celebration The outdoor vows were exchanged at sunset on a private estate just outside Music City. Guests—including former ESPN colleagues, NFL personalities and country artists—were treated to acoustic performances and a farm-to-table menu featuring Tennessee staples like hot chicken sliders and bourbon-glazed brisket. Steele walked down the aisle in a sleek off-the-shoulder gown before changing into white cowboy boots for the reception, a nod to her lifelong love of Nashville. Who is Dave Barbuto? Barbuto, 54, is CEO of a California-based medical devices company and a former college basketball player—meaning sports remain front and center in Steele’s life. The pair met through mutual friends at a leadership conference in early 2024 and announced their engagement last December on Steele’s podcast, “The Sage Steele Show.” Social media reaction explodes Within hours, #SageSteeleWedding trended on X as photos of the beaming couple circulated. Steele’s own post—“The day I got to marry the love of my life… God is so good”—racked up more than 3 million impressions in 24 hours. Fans praised the intimate family focus: Steele’s three children from her previous marriage served as maid of honor and groomsmen. From Bristol to the bridal aisle Steele left ESPN in 2023 after settling a free-speech lawsuit, pivoting to independent broadcasting and motivational speaking. Her weekly podcast now averages 1.2 million downloads, and she recently inked a content deal with Bill Maher’s Club Random Studios. Industry insiders say the high-profile wedding further cements her post-ESPN brand, positioning Steele and Barbuto as a potential power couple in faith-based entertainment and sports media. What’s next for the newlyweds • Honeymoon: The couple head to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, but Steele has slated podcast episodes for release while she’s abroad. • Business ventures: Sources close to Barbuto say the pair are exploring a charitable foundation focused on youth sports and STEM education. • Speaking circuit: Steele is booked for the Culture & Christianity Conference in Omaha next month, where she plans to discuss balancing professional reinvention with personal faith. Why the wedding matters in the sports-media landscape Sage Steele’s marriage closes a tumultuous chapter that began with her public clash against ESPN corporate policy. By celebrating her new start so publicly, she signals confidence in her independent platform—echoing a broader trend of high-profile broadcasters building personal media brands outside traditional networks. Key takeaways for fans and followers • Sage Steele is now Sage Steele Barbuto, though she will keep her maiden name professionally for audience continuity. • Expect behind-the-scenes content on her Instagram and upcoming podcast episodes featuring wedding anecdotes. • Steele’s success story—from SportsCenter anchor to entrepreneurial podcaster and now newlywed—reinforces her message of resilience and authenticity. Bottom line Sage Steele’s Nashville nuptials weren’t just a celebrity wedding; they were a statement of reinvention, faith and fresh beginnings. As she embarks on married life with Dave Barbuto, the former ESPN star continues to rewrite the playbook on what life after corporate television—and after 50—can look like.