Ben Higgins Biography: ABC 10News San Diego Sports Director
Ben Higgins is a well-known figure in San Diego’s media landscape, serving as the Sports Director for ABC 10News (KGTV Channel 10) and a prominent radio host.
A lifelong San Diego native, Higgins has built a career spanning over two decades, fueled by his deep passion for sports and his connection to the local community.
He graduated from Torrey Pines High School, where his love for sports blossomed, and later attended Pomona College, setting the stage for his professional journey.
Higgins joined the KGTV/10News team in November 2002, realizing a dream of covering sports in his hometown.
His tenure at 10News has included nightly sports coverage at 6 PM and 11 PM, as well as hosting the weekend sports highlight program Sports Xtra.
Over the years, he has reported on major events, such as the Super Bowl XXXVII buildup at Qualcomm Stadium, and produced specials like coverage of the Little League World Series, including trips to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 2005, 2009, 2013, and 2015.
One of his standout memories is covering the championship-winning Park View Little League team from Chula Vista.
Beyond television, Higgins has a robust radio career. He co-hosts the popular morning show Ben & Woods on 97.3 The Fan, the flagship station for the San Diego Padres.
His radio experience also includes stints at XTRA Sports 690, The Mighty 1090, and XTRA Sports 1360, as well as play-by-play commentary for University of San Diego football and basketball, and San Diego State University baseball. His work has made him a trusted voice for Padres, Aztecs, and other local teams’ fans.
A self-described “die-hard sports nut,” Higgins grew up immersed in San Diego’s sports culture, attending countless games featuring teams like the Padres, Chargers, Aztecs, Gulls, Sockers, Toreros, and even the Clippers during their San Diego days.
One of his cherished personal memories is witnessing the Padres defeat the Cubs in Game 5 of the 1984 NLCS at Jack Murphy Stadium, securing their first World Series berth.
Age:
Ben Higgins was born in Encinitas, California. However, the exact birth date isn’t publicly available, but based on his career timeline, he is estimated to be about 50 years old in 2025. Higgins is of white ethnicity and proudly holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Ben Higgins was born and raised in San Diego, California, where he has lived his entire life.
A self-described “lifelong San Diego sports fan,” he grew up immersed in the local sports culture, attending numerous games featuring teams like the Padres, Chargers, Aztecs, Toreros, Gulls, Sockers, and even the Clippers during their San Diego tenure.
He attended Torrey Pines High School in San Diego, graduating in 1993, which fueled his passion for sports and set the foundation for his career in sports journalism.
Wife:
Ben Higgins is married to Sheli Higgins.They have been together for a significant time, with Ben posting a tribute to her on February 16, 2022, wishing her a “Happy 20th Anniversary,” indicating they married around 2002.
They reside in Encinitas, California, and Sheli is occasionally mentioned in relation to their family life, though she maintains a low public profile compared to Ben’s media career.
The couple has two sons, Jack Higgins and Graham Higgins. They are part of his San Diego-based family, living with Ben and Sheli in Encinitas.
Height, Weight:
Ben Higgins stands tall at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) and weighs approximately 88 kg (194 lbs).
Career and Background:
Ben Higgins is a prominent television and radio personality in San Diego, celebrated for his deep-rooted connection to the city’s sports scene.
A lifelong San Diegan, Higgins has built a career spanning over two decades, blending his passion for sports with a knack for engaging storytelling.
Known as the Sports Director at ABC 10News (KGTV) and co-host of the popular Ben & Woods morning show on 97.3 The Fan, he’s a trusted voice for Padres, Aztecs, and local sports fans.
Television Career
Higgins’ television career is anchored by his long tenure at KGTV (ABC 10News), where he joined the sports team in November 2002.
As Sports Director, he delivers nightly sports coverage at 6 PM and 11 PM, hosts the weekend sports highlight show Sports Xtra, and has covered significant events like Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium.
His specials include four trips to Williamsport, Pennsylvania (2005, 2009, 2013, 2015) for the Little League World Series, with a highlight being his coverage of the championship-winning Park View Little League team from Chula Vista.
His work at KGTV reflects a blend of professional access and a fan’s perspective, making him a relatable figure in San Diego media.
Radio Career and Stations Worked At
Higgins’ radio career is equally robust, showcasing his versatility across multiple stations in San Diego:
- XTRA Sports 690 (1997): Straight out of Pomona College, Higgins began his professional journey at XTRA Sports 690, a sports talk station, marking his entry into San Diego’s radio landscape.
- AM 600 KOGO (2000): Three years later, he co-hosted San Diego Padres pre- and post-game shows on KOGO, sharpening his baseball commentary skills alongside notable figures like Jerry Coleman during the 2003 Spring Training.
- The Mighty 1090 (XEPRS): Higgins later worked at The Mighty 1090, a prominent San Diego sports station, further establishing his reputation. He hosted shows there before the station’s format shifted.
- XTRA Sports 1360 (KLSD): He also contributed to XTRA Sports 1360, adding to his extensive radio resume with play-by-play and hosting duties.
- 97.3 The Fan (Current): Since March 27, 2018, Higgins has co-hosted Ben & Woods on 97.3 The Fan, the flagship station for the San Diego Padres, alongside Steve Woods.
Airing weekdays from 6 AM to 10 AM (originally 6 AM to 9 AM), the show combines sports talk with humor, earning a strong local following. Their contract was extended through 2024, reflecting their popularity.
Additional Roles
Beyond anchoring and hosting, Higgins has done play-by-play commentary for University of San Diego football and basketball, as well as San Diego State University baseball, showcasing his versatility across sports and mediums.
Ben Higgins’ Colleagues at KGTV (ABC 10News):
- Kimberly Hunt: Evening Anchor
- Wale Aliyu: Evening Anchor
- Lindsey Peña: Evening Anchor
- Melissa Mecija: Morning Anchor
- Vanessa Paz: Morning Weather Anchor
Net Worth and Salary:
Ben Higgins, the San Diego sports media personality and Sports Director at ABC 10News (KGTV) since 2002, has an estimated net worth of $500,000 to $1.5 million as of 2025, based on his over 20-year career in television and radio.
His annual salary likely ranges from $200,000 to $300,000, combining his KGTV role (estimated $120,000–$175,000) with co-hosting Ben & Woods on 97.3 The Fan ($75,000–$125,000), plus play-by-play work for USD and SDSU sports.
Exact figures aren’t public, but his earnings reflect his tenure at stations like XTRA Sports 690, KOGO, The Mighty 1090, XTRA Sports 1360, and 97.3 The Fan, making him a well-established local figure.
Is Ben Higgins Married?
Yes, Higgins lives in Encinitas, California, with his wife, Sheli Higgins (married around 2002), and their two sons, Jack and Graham. His family life remains relatively private, though he’s shared milestones like his 20th anniversary with Sheli in 2022.
How Old Is Ben Higgins?
Ben Higgins’ exact birth date isn’t publicly disclosed, but based on his career timeline, he is estimated to be approximately 50 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Ben Higgins Working?
Ben Higgins serves as the Sports Director at KGTV-TV (ABC 10News San Diego), where he covers all local teams, including the Padres, Aztecs, and Wave.
In addition to his television role, he co-hosts the “Ben & Woods” morning radio show on 97.3 The Fan, airing weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Ben Higgins, the television personality known for his appearances on “The Bachelor,” is active on social media. He maintains a Facebook.
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