Kris Budden, an ESPN sports reporter renowned for her versatility in covering college football, basketball, and baseball, recently made headlines for her attire at the Big 12 Championship in Texas, where she wore a cowboy-inspired outfit including a brown dress and knee-high boots, embracing the Texas theme. She marked a decade of sports reporting, having started her career in 2013 and expanding her role to include lead reporting for men's basketball. Budden is married to former tennis player Mario Toledo, with whom she has two children. Her salary at ESPN is estimated at around $80,000 annually. She has faced and responded to criticism from Dave Portnoy, who accused her of showing 'glee' over a graphic about BYU’s College Football Playoff chances, which Budden clarified was a misinterpretation as she was discussing practice adjustments, not playoff probabilities. The controversy arose during a game at AT&T Stadium where BYU lost to Texas Tech, ending its playoff hopes. Budden's career is marked by professionalism and resilience amid industry challenges, including navigating gender biases and balancing her personal life with a successful broadcasting career.