Brad Zibung Net Worth – $1.5 billion
What is Brad Zibung’s net worth? Who is Brad Zibung’s wife?
Introduction
Brad Zibung founded The Heckler almost 20 years ago with his buddy George Ellis.
Since then, the pair have grown it into an empire that covers Chicago sports for listeners in over 40 states.
They even published a book—The Cubs Fan’s Guide To Happiness—in 2007.
Zibung can credit The Heckler—which started out as a side project—for a lot of other good things in his life, too.
The Origin Story
Bradley Zibung was born in Wisconsin in November 1976.
After graduating high school, he headed to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to study journalism and public relations.
While he was studying, he also worked at the Advance Titan, the independent university newspaper at UWO.
In 1999, aged 23, he graduated from UWO and moved into the corporate sector as a communications associate at Leo Burnett in Chicago.
This move to Chicago, with the backing of one of the world’s largest agencies, was a big deal for the small-town sports fan.
After 5 years, he moved on from Leo Burnett, but not from Chicago.
The Heckler
Sarah Spain and Brad Zibung – @Getty
The Heckler may have started out as a side hustle because Zibung missed his university newspaper and the camaraderie that came from that—but it grew into so much more.
It all started in 2000, when Zibung and a friend would heckle opposition fans in the bleachers at Chicago Cubs’ games.
The comedy duo started chronicling this in their own online blog—rightfieldsucks.com.
That site became known as a place for Chicago Cubs fans, and quickly gained popularity.
In 2003, they changed the name to The Heckler.
Zibung, who had always enjoyed the action and drama of putting together quality, entertaining journalistic pieces for his school paper, found that he thrived on doing the same for The Heckler.
As it gained a mainstream following—getting free publicity from local giants like the Chicago Tribune and ESPN Radio, their following ballooned.
Eventually, Zibung and Ellis started expanding to cover other sports in Chicago with their own quirky take.
The Heckler led to other jobs for Zibung, too.
In 2004 StubHub.com lured him away from Leo Burnett, and he stayed with the ticket retailing giant for another decade before moving into real estate in 2014.
Zibung found another bonus to founding a website based on his passion for sports—and heckling.
In 2009, his alma mater awarded him the Outstanding Young Alumni award for his achievements after graduation.
They recognized his work with The Heckler and StubHub.com, as well as his social advocacy and charitable contribution to the Chicago community.
Sarah Spain, Brad Zibung and Ari Chambers – @Getty
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The Meet Cute
Most importantly, The Heckler led Brad Zibung to his future wife—ESPN radio host Sarah Spain.
The pair met at a charity bowling event organized by Brent Seabrook of the Blackhawks in 2008.
At the time, Spain was working for a startup, and the pair got to talking. As with many millennial relationships, they started off as Facebook friends.
Eventually, Zibung got around to inviting Spain to a Cubs game.
Neither of them saw it as a date. In fact, Sarah didn’t even know it was Zibung who invited her.
He sent the message from The Heckler’s Facebook account, and Spain agreed because she was a fan of the publication.
She even brought a friend along with her to shoot the video.
Despite all work, no play mantra, romance blossomed for the pair.
In 2011 the pair moved in together, and in 2016 they tied the knot in front of 300 of their nearest and dearest.
Sarah Spain – © Guliver / Getty Images
The wedding took place on May 29, 2016, at County Line Orchard in Hobart, Indiana.
At the time, the pair had been together for 5 years.
Zibung, who had popped the question while the couple was enjoying a safari sunset in Tanzania, planned a dream honeymoon in Australia and New Zealand.
The couple’s honeymoon also coincided with Zibung’s 40th birthday.
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Real Life & Realty
The Heckler may be an amazing side project, but it’s not enough to pay the bills.
While Sarah Spain juggles a hectic schedule of ESPN Radio duties, writing, and producing the “That’s What She Said” podcast, Zibung has moved into selling real estate in Chicago.
The husband and wife duo may have a busy schedule, but they make time for their dogs—both of which were adopted from shelters.
Fletch is an Australian cattle dog mix, and Banks is a pitbull/bulldog mix.
Zibung is so passionate about where his pitbull came from that he promotes the organization—Peace for Pits—on The Heckler’s website.
The pair are devoted to their furry family members, and have both said it’s unlikely they’ll have children of their own.
With a life packed with work, pro sports events, family, friends, and animals, it’s no wonder—there’s only so many hours in a day.
Brad Zibung – Net Worth
So, how much is Brad Zibung worth? Zibung earned most of his wealth from real estate and other businesses. American businessman Brad Zibung has an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion.
Never read The Heckler? Check it out here for a hilarious take on Chicago sports.
FAQ
Who is Brad Zibung’s wife?
He is married to Sarah Spain.
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Reference https://uwosh.edu/journalism/alumni-profile-brad-zibung/
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