Ernestine Sclafani, a seasoned public relations executive, is widely recognized as the wife of Skip Bayless, the polarizing sports commentator known for his bold takes on ESPN’s First Take and Fox Sports’ Skip and Shannon: Undisputed. Beyond her association with Bayless, Sclafani has carved out a successful career in public relations, authored a book, and built a life that balances her professional ambitions with a high-profile marriage. This article explores her biography, net worth, age, salary, married life, and dating history, offering fresh insights into her journey.
Who Is Ernestine Sclafani? A Glimpse into Her Biography
Ernestine Sclafani, born on August 3, 1962, in Long Island, New York, is a 63-year-old American public relations specialist and author. Raised in a close-knit Italian-Jewish family, she grew up alongside two siblings—a brother who is a doctor in Manhattan and a sister who is a breast surgeon in Ohio. Her mother, Evelyn Sclafani, passed away in August 2013 from pancreatic cancer, a loss that deeply impacted her. Sclafani’s early passion for fashion led her to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology after graduating from Suffolk County Community College in 1986.
Her career began in the fashion industry, but she pivoted to public relations, where she found her calling. Over four decades, she worked with prestigious firms like Ball of Switzerland, Edelman PR, and Weber Shandwick, eventually founding her own Los Angeles-based firm, Ernestine Sclafani Bayless PR. Her book, BALLS: How to Keep Your Relationship Alive When You Live with a Sports-Obsessed Guy (2019), offers a humorous yet insightful look into her married life with Bayless, providing practical advice for partners of sports enthusiasts.
“I never imagined I’d marry someone so consumed by sports, but I’ve learned to embrace it as part of our love story.” – Ernestine Sclafani
Ernestine Sclafani’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
Ernestine Sclafani’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million as of 2025, derived from her long-standing career in public relations and her entrepreneurial ventures. As a public relations executive, her salary likely ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, consistent with industry standards for senior PR professionals in the U.S. Her firm, Ernestine Sclafani Bayless PR, specializes in fashion, lifestyle, sports, and event planning, contributing significantly to her wealth. In contrast, her husband, Skip Bayless, boasts a net worth of $17 million, bolstered by his $5 million annual salary from Fox Sports before his departure in August 2024.
Sclafani’s financial success is a testament to her ability to thrive in a competitive industry. Unlike many celebrity spouses, she has maintained a low profile, focusing on her professional achievements rather than leveraging her husband’s fame for personal gain. Her net worth reflects not only her salary but also her strategic investments in her brand and authorship.
Age and Personal Background
At 63 years old in 2025, Ernestine Sclafani remains a vibrant figure in both her professional and personal life. Born in 1962, she grew up in a culturally rich environment that shaped her resilience and ambition. Her Italian-Jewish heritage and upbringing in Long Island instilled a strong work ethic, which she carried into her education and career. Despite her age, Sclafani continues to lead her PR firm and engage in creative projects, proving that age is no barrier to success.
Married Life with Skip Bayless
Ernestine Sclafani and Skip Bayless met in 2005 on the set of ESPN’s Cold Pizza, where Sclafani was accompanying a client. Their initial encounter was serendipitous—Bayless, rushing to retrieve notes, locked eyes with her in the green room, sparking an instant connection. They exchanged business cards, and after a few phone calls, went on their first date. Bayless, known for his workaholic nature, candidly told Sclafani that his career would always come first. Surprisingly, she embraced this, sharing a similar dedication to her own work.
After dating for five years, Bayless proposed to Sclafani in 2010 during a flight from Newark to Oklahoma City. They maintained a long-distance relationship for years, with Sclafani in Manhattan and Bayless in Connecticut, reuniting on weekends to watch movies or sports. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony on July 28, 2016, attended only by a judge and a few staff members. Their decision to keep the wedding secret reflects their preference for privacy.
“We decided to get married alone, we didn’t tell a soul. It was a really fun and special day, just for us.” – Ernestine Sclafani
As of 2025, Sclafani and Bayless have been married for nearly nine years, navigating challenges like Bayless’ controversial career and a recent lawsuit filed in January 2025, alleging inappropriate behavior by Bayless toward a former Fox News employee. Despite these hurdles, their relationship remains strong, built on mutual respect and shared interests like 1960s music, Woody Allen films, and the sitcom I Love Lucy.
Dating History and Previous Relationships
Before marrying Sclafani, Skip Bayless was married to his high school sweetheart, though the marriage ended in divorce. He also had four long-term relationships that didn’t last, largely due to his prioritization of work. Sclafani’s dating history is less documented, as she has maintained a private persona. Her marriage to Bayless is her first, and their enduring partnership highlights their compatibility despite demanding careers.
Career Highlights and Contributions
Sclafani’s career spans over 40 years, beginning in 1981 as an Assistant Accessories Director at Izod Lacoste. She later joined Ball of Switzerland in 1990, rising to Director of Public Relations by 2000. Her tenure at Weber Shandwick as Vice President from 2005 to 2018 saw her work with major clients like Microsoft and Coca-Cola. Today, her firm, Ernestine Sclafani Bayless PR, is a testament to her expertise in crafting compelling narratives across industries.
Her book, BALLS, published in September 2019, offers a unique perspective on maintaining a relationship with a sports-obsessed partner. It blends humor with practical advice, drawing from her experiences with Bayless. Sclafani also runs a blog, sharing insights on lifestyle, fashion, and family, further showcasing her storytelling prowess.
Unique Insights: Balancing Love and Ambition
Sclafani’s story is a masterclass in balancing personal and professional ambitions. Unlike many spouses of high-profile figures, she has built a legacy independent of Bayless’ fame. Her ability to maintain a long-distance relationship while climbing the corporate ladder offers valuable lessons for career-driven couples. For instance, their ritual of watching Jeopardy together every Friday for nearly 20 years underscores the importance of shared routines in sustaining love.
Her book provides a case study in resilience. Sclafani recounts moments of frustration—like dressing up for dates only to find Bayless glued to a game—but emphasizes compromise and communication as keys to their success. This perspective is particularly relevant in 2025, as remote work and demanding schedules continue to challenge relationships.
Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ernestine Sclafani Bayless |
| Date of Birth | August 3, 1962 |
| Age (2025) | 63 years old |
| Birthplace | Long Island, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian-Jewish |
| Education | Suffolk County Community College (1986), Fashion Institute of Technology |
| Profession | Public Relations Executive, Author, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | $1 million–$5 million |
| Salary | $60,000–$100,000 annually (estimated) |
| Current Employer | Ernestine Sclafani Bayless PR (Founder) |
| Book | BALLS: How to Keep Your Relationship Alive (2019) |
| Husband | Skip Bayless (married July 28, 2016) |
| Dating History | Limited public information; first marriage to Bayless |
| Siblings | Brother (doctor in Manhattan), Sister (breast surgeon in Ohio) |
| Parents | Evelyn Sclafani (mother, deceased 2013), Father (engineer, name unknown) |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @ernestine.sclafani.bayless, Facebook: Ernestine Sclafani Bayless |
| Notable Achievements | Vice President at Weber Shandwick, Author, Founder of own PR firm |
Recent Updates and Controversies
In August 2024, Skip Bayless parted ways with Fox Sports after eight years, leaving his future in sports media uncertain. This shift has placed Sclafani in the spotlight as she supports her husband through this transition. Additionally, a January 2025 lawsuit against Bayless has raised questions about their public image, though Sclafani has remained silent on the matter, focusing on her work.
Conclusion: A Power Couple’s Journey
Ernestine Sclafani is more than just Skip Bayless’ wife—she is a trailblazer in public relations, an author, and a partner who has mastered the art of balancing love and ambition. Her net worth, age, salary, and married life reflect a woman who has built a fulfilling career while navigating the complexities of a high-profile relationship. For more on her story, check out her book on Amazon or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
