Katie Emmer Bio 2026: Age, Husband, Bally Sports Career, Family & Net Worth
Katie Emmer (now widely known as Katie Emmer Storm) is an Emmy Award-winning American sports broadcaster, host, and sideline reporter celebrated for her sharp hockey analysis and dynamic rinkside presence. Rising to national prominence after capturing the prestigious Jim Nantz Award, she made history covering the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers on NBC Sports Philadelphia before returning to her home state of Minnesota to anchor coverage for Bally Sports North (FanDuel Sports Network North). Known for her deep hockey pedigree, engaging interviews, and versatile reporting across college and professional sports, she stands out as one of the most respected young voices in American sports television.
Broadcasting fans frequently follow peer sports journalists and rinkside reporters who share her passion for hockey and Midwest sports, including Jamie Hersch, Audra Martin, Kevin Gorg, Sophia Minnaert, and Marney Gellner.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Katie Lynn Emmer (Katie Emmer Storm) |
|---|---|
| Nick Name | Katie |
| Profession | Sports Broadcaster, Sideline Reporter, Studio Host, Content Producer |
| Birth Date | May 17, 1995 |
| Age | 31 years 3 months old years old |
| Birth Place | Delano, Minnesota, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian (American) |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Hazel / Green |
| Alma Mater | St. Cloud State University (B.S. in Mass Communications) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse / Husband | Austin Storm (married August 2021) |
| Children | None reported |
| Parents | Tom Emmer (U.S. Congressman) & Jacquie Emmer |
| Siblings | 6 brothers (Tripp, Jack, Bobby, John, Joey, and Billy Emmer) |
| Current Networks / Roles | FanDuel Sports Network North (formerly Bally Sports North), Big Ten Network, ESPN/Freelance |
| Years Active | 2014–Present |
| Estimated Net Worth | $800,000 – $1.2 Million (estimated in 2026) |
Early Life & Education
Katie Emmer was born on May 17, 1995, and raised in Delano, Minnesota, a close-knit community located just west of the Twin Cities. Growing up in a lively household as the only girl among seven siblings, she developed a fierce competitive streak and a genuine love for athletics at an early age. Ice hockey was central to the Emmer family routine, with cold winters spent on backyard rinks and local arenas.
Her father, Tom Emmer, is a prominent Minnesota politician who played college hockey at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of St. Thomas before serving in the Minnesota State Legislature and later becoming the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District and House Majority Whip. Her mother, Jacquie Emmer, managed the active family household and supported their academic and athletic pursuits.
Emmer attended Delano High School, where she excelled academically and participated in high school athletics, fostering a deep appreciation for team sports and storytelling. After graduating high school in 2014, she enrolled at St. Cloud State University (SCSU), known across the Midwest for producing elite broadcast journalists through its student-run operation, UTVS Television.
At SCSU, Emmer immersed herself in live sports broadcasting. She served as a play-by-play announcer, rinkside reporter, and studio host for the NCAA Division I St. Cloud State Huskies men’s and women’s ice hockey teams. Her work on Husky Mag and university broadcasts quickly gained regional attention for its crisp commentary, natural stage presence, and deep tactical understanding of hockey.
In the spring of 2018, she graduated magna cum laude from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications (Broadcast Journalism) and a minor in Communication Studies. That same year, the Sportscasters Talent Agency of America (STAA) awarded her the nationally acclaimed Jim Nantz Award, officially recognizing her as the nation’s most outstanding collegiate sports broadcaster. She became the first woman in history to win the prestigious honor.
Career Journey
Katie Emmer built her sports media career on technical preparation, sharp analytical questions, and authentic Midwest charm. Her fast trajectory took her from collegiate broadcasts to major professional television markets in just a few short years.
Early Broadcast Experience and STAA Recognition
While completing her undergraduate studies at St. Cloud State, Emmer worked tirelessly to gain real-world broadcasting experience. She served as an intern and freelance production assistant with Fox Sports North (now FanDuel Sports Network North), helping cover Minnesota Twins baseball, Timberwolves basketball, and Wild hockey.
She also handled play-by-play commentary and rinkside reporting for high school hockey tournaments and collegiate matches, building a comprehensive portfolio of live game coverage. When she won the Jim Nantz Award in 2018, the selection committee highlighted her poise on camera, articulate game analysis, and natural interview style during high-pressure moments.
Breakthrough at NBC Sports Philadelphia (2018–2020)
In the summer of 2018, following her national award win, Emmer joined NBC Sports Philadelphia in one of the most passionate and demanding sports media markets in North America. She was named the primary host and rinkside reporter for Philadelphia Flyers coverage, leading pre-game, intermission, and post-game shows on Flyers Pregame Live and Flyers Postgame Live.
In Philadelphia, she earned high praise from both colleagues and demanding hockey fans for her hockey acumen and chemistry with former NHL players like Scott Hartnell, Brian Boucher, and Al Morganti. Her work during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 NHL seasons earned her a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Feature and multiple regional broadcast accolades.
Return to Minnesota: Bally Sports North and Regional Dominance
In the fall of 2020, Emmer returned home to Minnesota to join Bally Sports North (formerly Fox Sports North). The network brought her on as a primary studio host, rinkside reporter, and feature storyteller for Minnesota Wild NHL broadcasts, as well as contributing coverage for the Minnesota Twins (MLB), Minnesota Lynx (WNBA), and Big Ten collegiate athletic events.
Her transition back to the State of Hockey was seamless. Emmer quickly became a fan favorite among Wild supporters, anchoring studio discussions, conducting key bench and intermission interviews, and delivering in-depth features on player development and locker room dynamics.
Recent Activity and Expanding Portfolio in 2026
Through 2026, Katie Emmer Storm has continued to expand her national and regional profile. As Bally Sports transitioned into the FanDuel Sports Network banner, she maintained her central role as one of the premier hockey broadcasters in the Midwest. Alongside her regular NHL and MLB studio hosting assignments, she has contributed to college hockey coverage on the Big Ten Network and national digital platforms.
Her recent activity in 2026 includes spearheading player profile segments, covering the high-stakes NHL postseason chase, and moderating major sports charity galas across Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Career Milestones and Broadcast Timeline
| Years | Network / Organization | Primary Role | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2018 | UTVS Television / SCSU Athletics | Host, Reporter, Announcer | St. Cloud State Huskies Hockey, College Athletics |
| 2018 | STAA / Jim Nantz Award | National Award Recipient | First female winner of the Jim Nantz Award |
| 2018–2020 | NBC Sports Philadelphia | Host & Rinkside Reporter | Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), Phillies (MLB) features |
| 2020–2024 | Bally Sports North | Studio Host & Reporter | Minnesota Wild (NHL), Twins (MLB), Big Ten |
| 2024–2026 | FanDuel Sports Network North / BTN | Lead Host & Sideline Analyst | Minnesota Wild, Midwest College Sports & Digital Features |
Personal Life
Katie Emmer values family, faith, and fitness outside the broadcast booth. In August 2021, she married Austin Storm, her long-time partner and fellow Minnesota native. The couple celebrated their wedding surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues from the sports broadcasting industry. Following her marriage, she often uses the professional name Katie Emmer Storm on social media and broadcast credits.
Being raised with six brothers shaped her resilient personality, sense of humor, and love for outdoor sports. She frequently participates in running events, charity golf tournaments, and community hockey clinics designed to introduce young girls to ice hockey. The Storms reside in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area and enjoy spending their summers at Minnesota lakes, boating, hiking, and exploring local restaurants.
Family Background
- Father: Tom Emmer (U.S. Representative and House Majority Whip)
- Mother: Jacquie Emmer
- Brothers: Tripp, Jack, Bobby, John, Joey, and Billy Emmer
- Husband: Austin Storm (m. 2021)
Awards & Achievements
- Jim Nantz Award Winner (2018): Named the top collegiate sports broadcaster in the United States by STAA, becoming the first female recipient in history.
- Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award Winner: Recognized for exceptional sports feature reporting during her tenure covering the Philadelphia Flyers on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
- Upper Midwest Emmy Nominations: Multiple nominations for outstanding live sports hosting, sideline reporting, and feature storytelling.
- SCSU Mass Communications Hall of Fame Recognition: Celebrated by St. Cloud State University as an inspiring young alumna in journalism.
Physical Statistics
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 34-25-35 inches (approx.) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Hazel / Green |
| Dress Size | 4 (US) |
| Shoe Size | 8 (US) |
Memorable Quotes
“Growing up in Minnesota with six brothers, sports weren’t just a hobby—they were the language we spoke every single day around the dinner table.”
“Winning the Jim Nantz Award proved that hard work and preparation matter above all else. My goal has always been to ask the questions that true hockey fans want answered.”
“Returning to broadcast games in the State of Hockey has been a dream come true. There is no energy quite like an arena packed with passionate Minnesota fans.”
Favorites
- Favorite Sport: Ice Hockey
- Favorite NHL Team: Minnesota Wild (professionally neutral, regionally connected)
- Favorite Vacation Destination: Northern Minnesota Lakes & Canadian Rockies
- Favorite Food: Authentic Italian pasta and Midwest BBQ
- Favorite Hobby: Distance running, golf, and lakeside boating
Salary & Net Worth in 2026
As of 2026, Katie Emmer Storm has an estimated net worth between $800,000 and $1.2 million. Her primary income derives from her multi-year television contracts as a regional sports network host and sideline reporter, supplemented by freelance broadcast assignments for national outlets, commercial voiceover work, and live event emcee hosting.
Industry salary standards for established regional sports hosts and rinkside reporters in major Midwest sports markets typically range from $95,000 to $165,000 annually, with additional bonuses for postseason coverage and specialty programming.
Interesting Facts
- She was the first woman ever to win the STAA Jim Nantz Award since its founding in 2009.
- She grew up as the only girl in a family of nine (two parents and seven children).
- Her father, Congressman Tom Emmer, played college hockey and coached youth hockey teams for decades across Minnesota.
- She ran distance track and cross-country during her youth, which helped build the stamina required for long live-broadcast shifts.
- She frequently mentors young women pursuing careers in sports journalism through collegiate panels and workshops.
Did You Know Already?
- Katie Emmer was only 23 years old when NBC Sports Philadelphia hired her as the primary pre- and post-game host for the Flyers.
- During her college days at St. Cloud State University, she operated television cameras, edited video packages, and directed live control rooms alongside her on-air hosting duties.
- Her husband, Austin Storm, was also a collegiate student-athlete in Minnesota, sharing her passion for outdoor fitness.
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @katieemmer
- X (formerly Twitter): @KatieEmmer
- LinkedIn: Katie Emmer Storm on LinkedIn
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Katie Emmer?
Katie Emmer (Katie Emmer Storm) is an Emmy Award-winning American sports television host and sideline reporter known for covering the Minnesota Wild on Bally Sports North / FanDuel Sports Network North and previously covering the Philadelphia Flyers on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
How old is Katie Emmer in 2026?
Born on May 17, 1995, Katie Emmer is 31 years 3 months old years old as of 2026.
Who is Katie Emmer married to?
Katie Emmer married Austin Storm in August 2021. Professionally and socially, she often goes by Katie Emmer Storm.
What college did Katie Emmer attend?
She attended St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, graduating magna cum laude in 2018 with a degree in Mass Communications (Broadcast Journalism).
Is Katie Emmer related to Tom Emmer?
Yes, Katie Emmer is the daughter of U.S. Congressman and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer and Jacquie Emmer.
What makes Katie Emmer’s Jim Nantz Award historic?
In 2018, Katie Emmer became the first female sports broadcaster in history to win the Jim Nantz Collegiate Sports Broadcaster of the Year Award from the Sportscasters Talent Agency of America (STAA).
Summary
Katie Emmer Storm continues to stand out as a top-tier sports journalist whose preparation, tactical hockey knowledge, and authentic connection with fans make her broadcasts a must-watch. From her historic collegiate recognition to her Emmy-winning work in Philadelphia and Minnesota, her career remains on a steady upward rise. If you enjoyed reading this profile of Katie Emmer, be sure to share it with fellow sports and hockey fans.
Sources consulted: Sportscasters Talent Agency of America (STAA) official archives, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Mid-Atlantic Chapter records, St. Cloud State University alumni publications, verified network broadcast credits, and public media interviews.
