Adam Benigni Bio: Age, Wife & Net Worth | WGRZ-TV Buffalo

WSTM-TV (Syracuse, NY)

Benigni’s first notable professional role was at WSTM-TV, the NBC affiliate in Syracuse, New York, where he worked as a sports anchor and reporter for five years, from approximately 1992 to 1997.

During this period, he covered local sports, including college athletics and minor league teams, sharpening his skills in a mid-sized market.

This role marked his entry into television journalism and provided a foundation for his later success.

Syracuse Crunch (AHL Radio)

Concurrently with his time at WSTM-TV, Benigni expanded his sports broadcasting experience by serving as a radio color commentator for the Syracuse Crunch, a minor league hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL).

This role, which he held during his years in Central New York, allowed him to develop his live commentary skills and deepen his knowledge of hockey—a sport that would become central to his career in Buffalo.

The exact duration isn’t specified, but it overlapped with his WSTM tenure, showcasing his versatility early on.

WGRZ-TV (Buffalo, NY)

Benigni’s career reached its pinnacle when he joined WGRZ-TV, the NBC affiliate in Buffalo, New York, in July 1997.

His arrival coincided with a significant moment in Buffalo sports history—the introduction of Lindy Ruff as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres—setting the tone for his extensive coverage of the region’s teams.

He began as the weekend sports anchor, a role that quickly established him as a trusted voice in Western New York.

Over his more than 25-year tenure at WGRZ, Benigni’s responsibilities evolved significantly:

• Weekend Sports Anchor (1997–early 2000s): He started with weekend sportscasts, covering the Buffalo Bills (NFL), Buffalo Sabres (NHL), and other local sports.

• Evening Sports Anchor (early 2000s–2024): He transitioned to anchoring evening sportscasts from Sunday through Thursday, becoming a nightly fixture for viewers. His coverage included the Sabres’ 1999 Stanley Cup Finals run, multiple playoff appearances, and the Bills’ NFL seasons.

• Sports Director (2013–2024): Following the retirement of Ed Kilgore, Benigni was named Sports Director in 2013, a role he held for over a decade. He oversaw the sports department, guiding coverage and mentoring younger journalists while continuing to anchor.

• Sports Talk Sunday/Sports Talk Live Host: He hosted Sports Talk Sunday, later rebranded as Sports Talk Live, a weekly program he co-created and produced, offering in-depth analysis and discussion of local sports.

• Fill-in News Anchor: Beyond sports, Benigni occasionally anchored weekday evening news broadcasts, demonstrating his versatility. In 2017, he briefly filled in as co-anchor for the 5, 6, and 11 p.m. newscasts alongside Maryalice Demler after Scott Levin’s departure, and he was slated to join Daybreak as co-anchor in 2018, though he ultimately returned to sports.

Adam Benigni has had a remarkable career in sports journalism, covering numerous significant events and stories.

Here are some highlights of his notable coverage:

• Buffalo Sabres’ Stanley Cup Finals (1999): Adam reported on the Buffalo Sabres’ journey to the Stanley Cup Finals, a pivotal moment in the team’s history.

• Buffalo Sabres’ Season-Opening Trip to Europe (2011): He provided in-depth coverage of the Sabres’ unique season-opening trip to Europe, which earned him an Associated Press first-place award.

• Buffalo Bills’ NFL Seasons: Adam has extensively covered the Buffalo Bills, including their playoff runs and other key moments in the team’s history.

• “Sports Talk Sunday”: As the host of this weekly program, Adam has facilitated discussions on major sports events and stories, engaging with the Buffalo sports community.

• Local and National Sports Stories: Over his career, Adam has reported on a wide range of sports stories, both local and national, showcasing his versatility and expertise.

Adam Benigni’s net worth and salary are not precisely documented in public sources, but estimates can be inferred based on his career and industry standards. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to range between $1 million and $5 million.

This figure is derived from his over 25-year tenure at WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, New York, where he progressed from weekend sports anchor to Sports Director, along with his earlier work at WSTM-TV in Syracuse and as a radio commentator for the Syracuse Crunch.

His wealth likely stems from his long career in broadcast journalism, supplemented by awards and recognition that may have boosted his earning potential, though specific assets or additional income sources remain private.

Regarding his salary, Benigni’s annual earnings are estimated to fall between $40,000 and $110,500.

This range aligns with typical salaries for sports anchors and directors in mid-sized markets like Buffalo, factoring in his experience and leadership roles at WGRZ.

As Sports Director from 2013 to 2024, he likely earned toward the higher end during that period, with possible adjustments after transitioning to a part-time role in 2024, focusing on Sports Talk Live and special projects.

Exact figures are unavailable due to his preference for a modest lifestyle and limited disclosure, but these estimates reflect industry norms and his professional stature.