Leila Rahimi is a distinguished figure in American sports journalism. Her notable stints include a wide array of networks like Fox Sports Southwest, KXAN-TV, and most recently, NBC Sports Chicago. Rahimi began her illustrious journey at KTCK-AM Sports Radio in Dallas, where she honed her skills as an anchor and reporter from 2001 to 2005.
Her career then took her to CBS affiliate KXII-TV in Sherman, Texas, in 2006. Rahimi next joined KXAN-TV, an NBC affiliate in Austin, Texas in 2007, followed by Fox Sports San Diego in 2012.
However, her most significant professional leap occurred in October 2015 when Rahimi joined NBC Sports Chicago as an anchor. She was recognized for her hard work and dedication when she was promoted to full-time lead sports anchor of NBC 5 Chicago in 2022 – becoming the first woman ever to hold this position on any network.
Rahimi’s Role at NBC 5 Chicago
As a lead sports anchor, Rahimi anchors the sportscasts on the 5, 6, and 10 p.m. news and co-anchors “Sports Sunday” with Mike Berman. Before her promotion, Rahimi had a busy schedule, working part-time at NBC 5 while also hosting the midday show with Dan Bernstein at The Score.
Other Significant Roles
In addition to her responsibilities at NBC 5, Rahimi also served as a sideline reporter for the Houston Astros and Houston Rockets broadcasts from 2012 to 2014. She was also a host and anchor for MLB Network from May 2015 to October 2015.
Among her other notable roles, Rahimi worked on shows such as Sports Talk Live and served as a reporter for the Bowlero Elite Series bowling tournament and NBC Sports: NBC Olympics 2018.
A Glimpse Into Rahimi’s Personal Life
Rahimi is open about her professional journey, yet has kept much of her personal life confidential. Questions remain regarding marital status or relationship status of Rahimi; even reports circulating of possible lesbianism has yet to be confirmed by substantial evidence.
Rahimi hails from an Iranian family and relocated to America while her mother hails from America. Rahimi also has siblings, but details about them remain limited. Rahimi graduated with a B.A. in Journalism from the University of North Texas in 2002.
A Mixed Ethnicity – An Integral Part of Her Identity
Born and raised in Denton, Texas, Rahimi embraces a mixed ethnicity of Persian and White. Her rich cultural heritage plays a crucial role in shaping her identity. Rahimi’s ethnicity is undoubtedly an integral part of her life and career, contributing to her unique perspective and approach to journalism.
While many aspects of Rahimi’s life remain a mystery, her professional achievements attest to her relentless dedication and hard work in sports journalism. It’s clear that Rahimi’s focus is primarily on her career, making her an inspiring figure in the industry.